Saving Rural Buses

Remember… we have to use the 147 route or lose it!! – We have been sent some great ideas from \”Routemaster\”

With Local authorities being less and less willing (or able) to support rural bus services it falls to us users to do what we can to keep them running – quite simply this means making them more financially viable, in the end this is the only way to guarantee continued services. Quite simply; use it or lose it, you may not be dependant on the service now – but personal circumstances can change without warning, protect your freedom.   We\’re all a bit inclined to expect buses to be there only when we need them, but not to consider our role in creating the demand. So I\’ve put together a few ideas that might help – I\’m sure you can think of many more.

 Concessionary passes: If you have a concessionary pass you may not realise that the bus company receives the same small amount for its use irrespective of how many stops the passenger travels. So a journey of a single stop has the exact same value as going the whole route. . Armed with this knowledge there are many ways to take advantage (Timetables are available on the First Bus website):

Going for a walk; exercising the dog, visiting friends / family / neighbours along the route – try using the bus to start or end your excursion (or even better in both directions)

Try to use your pass more than once in a journey, if time is not an issue break journey up into smaller sections.

If you\’re looking after children take them on a bus ride to town or the park. Many children don\’t get to use a bus until they\’re at secondary school – you\’d be doing them a favour & teaching correct etiquette (children under five travel free). 

Create an informal park & ride – if you\’re planning a big shop park the car near to a bus stop & go into town by bus – no parking worries but the car will be nearby to help you on the last part of your journey home.

What about a charity fundraising bus challenge – just how any times can you use the bus in one day?

 Paying full fare: many of us would be willing to pay our way rather than have no bus – even if you have a concessionary pass you don\’t always have to use it. If you can afford to pay a full fare now and again would give the bus company more income.

 I hope this inspires you do do your bit

 Routemaster June 2016\”