300 concerned residents attend public meeting last Monday, February 10 to discuss future of 81, 81a and 81b bus routes.
Concerns were raised at the meeting about a lack of extensive consultation by the bus company prior to any decisions being made about the future of the service.
Speakers at the meeting included:
• Mike Best (Operations Director, Brighton & Hove Buses)
• Andrew Boag (Chair, Brighton & Hove Buswatch)
• Richard Johnson (Bus team, Brighton & Hove City Council)
• Chair Mark Strong (Vice-chair, Queens Park LAT)
Nancy Platts the Labour parliamentary candidate for Kemptown and Peacehaven attended the meeting. She said: “It is clear is that Brighton and Hove Buses should have consulted more widely and for longer on the proposed changes. Especially for working parents who have to deal with the school run and then rush to get to work on time in the morning.
“At the meeting I also raised concerns with the bus company that changes to bus routes would result in some people having to take two buses instead of one, doubling the cost of their fares.”
“I am meeting with the bus company to ensure a fair deal is reached for residents. If you would like me to raise any issues with them then please do get in touch on nancy@nancyplatts.org.uk
Simon Kirby, MP for Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven is calling on the Brighton and Hove Bus Company to rethink its proposals. He said: “People’s transportation is very important to them for work, getting to school and visiting family and friends.
“Significant changes in services can be very unsettling and the bus company needs to move carefully regarding the 81 service.
“I have said to the bus company that a rethink of the proposals may be in order following the concerns expressed by passengers and I hope this matter will be looked at again very closely.”
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