Council chiefs seek views on a bus strategy

BOROUGH Council chiefs at Warrington are seeking the views of residents and business leaders on a draft local bus strategy.
The strategy outlines the council’s responsibilities to support sustainable public transport and proposes a frame work to assess how any available funding to support bus traffic would be spent in the future – such as subsidising routes that might not otherwise operate.
Residents have until Tuesday next week (November 11) to study the draft strategy and submit their comments.
The strategy focuses on low cost measures to improve service punctuality and reliability and encouraging commercial services and initiatives from bus operators.
It also aims to provide supported services using a proposed prioritisation matrix, considering available budget/funding and continuing and developing partnership arrangements between the
borough council and bus operators.
There will also be support for the development and provision of demand responsive transport, community transport and coach services, continuation and development of bus timetable information and improvements to bus stops and shelters and enhanced integration with other public transport.
Anyone can take part in the consultation via the council’s website at www.warrington.gov.uk/consultation where the strategy can be viewed and views submitted either via an online questionnaire or by emailing comments to [email protected]
Cllr Linda Dirir (pictured), the council’s lead member for highways, transport and climate change, said: “Buses are an important part of the transport system in Warrington, providing access for all to employment, education, training and medical services as well as retail and leisure.
“They also support the town’s green agenda by providing sustainable transport options to all and help to reduce traffic congestion on our roads.
“Warrington Borough Council has an important part to play in providing these services but also faces many challenges when it comes to providing and funding them in the future. One of the main aims of the local bus strategy is to ensure that any available council funding for transport subsidies is spent in the most efficient way and we welcome resident’s views on all of this.”