MP calls for talks on bus company's future

WARRINGTON South MP David Mowat believes the time may have come for the borough to merge its bus company with a larger organisation to achieve “economies of scale.”
Mr Mowat (pictured) was speaking after Network Warrington announced fares increases of up to 50 per cent and also cut some services.
At the same time, Tory councillors representing the Culcheth and Glazebury area of the borough, expressed anger over increases in fares and changes to routes.
Borough councillor Sue Bland said: “I have contacted the company about route changes in my ward, without any satisfactory response.
“Now I find the bus company has again kicked the people of Warrington in the teeth with these unacceptable price increases.”
She said she would be contacting the company for urgent talks on the whole future of bus travel in the borough.”
Cllr Paul Campbell, of Culcheth and Glazebury Parish Council, said: “This week I travelled on a bus from Culcheth and was dismayed to find that the fare had increased for the second time in a year.
“This is at a time when routes and time schedules are being reduced. The bus company gives all sorts of excuses from fuel increase to government cuts. Considering that worldwide fuel prices have been falling for some time, and the large subsides they have received from Warrington Borough Council and the Warrington tax payers I believe these excuses to be rather shallow.”
Cllr Campbell said passenger wo bought an adult monthly town pass would see the price rise from £56 to £84 – a 50 per cent rise.
“I believe the residents of Warrington deserve better. I am calling for an open and honest consultation with all stakeholders about the future of the bus company. The current set-up is not working – not for customers, -not for staff who recently went on strike, and not for council tax payers who are losing money on all this. This needs to be done as a matter of urgency.”
Mr Mowat said: “The increases vary from nil to over 50 percent and are clearly very much more than inflation on average.
“Warrington is one of the few towns to own and manage its own bus service and it may be that the time has come to consider whether we should consider combining our company with other larger organizations to obtain economies of scale. The council should seriously review this option and publish the results.
“The only important criteria are the quality and cost of services in
Warrington for Warrington residents.”
Network Warrington says the increases in fares are necessary for the future of the company.
“Over the past 12 months ouor costs have risen, due to a combination of factors including government funding cuts and significant cost increases in fuel and maintenance.
“The decision to increase fares was not taken lightly but is necessary to keep the company sustainable.”