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Bus company promise a review of new bus route after two months

Sarah Green February 24, 2014

Labour parliamentary candidate meets with bus boss over changes made to route 81.

Martin Harris, Emma Daniel and Nancy Platts
Martin Harris, Emma Daniel and Nancy Platts

After meeting with Brighton and Hove Buses managing director, Nancy Platts, Labour’s Parliamentary candidate for Kemptown and Peacehaven says she has secured important concessions to the proposals affecting the future of the Number 81 bus route.

Together with Hanover and Elm Grove Labour councillor, Emma Daniel, Nancy met with Brighton and Hove Buses managing director, Martin Harris, and says she left him in no doubt about the strength of feeling concerning proposed changes to the popular bus route.

Nancy said: “Having attended a hurriedly convened meeting at St Luke’s Church in Queen’s Park on February 10 – to which 300 confused and angry bus users turned up – I knew that somebody had to stand up for local residents. The plans had been rushed through, and I felt that the lack of consultation and communication was hugely unfair on all those people who regard the 81 as their main link to the City and the station.

“To his credit, Martin Harris really listened to us and has agreed that:

“The company will more thoroughly advertise and promote the new route to clear up any confusion

“The company will conduct a review of the new service two months into the changes to gauge views from residents.

“Martin Harris believes that the changes will lead to a better and more efficient service, with more buses. I believe that people are open to change if it improves the service, but they need to be consulted first and I am glad that local people will now have a greater opportunity to share their views.”

Nancy lives on the 81 bus route herself and believes that an important dialogue has been opened between her and Mr Harris. She hopes that in the future there will be better communication between the bus company and passengers who rely on it.

 

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