The Orbit bus route

Two women from Ribbleton and Lea have set out to save a popular bus route from being scrapped.

Preston Bus has confirmed the future of the Orbit bus service is in doubt.

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The 88A and 88C routes which serve the outer edges of the city would cease in April under plans by the bus operator to make a number of changes to its services.

Sarah Edwards, from Ribbleton, has begun a petition calling on Lancashire County Council to step in and pressure Preston Bus to keep the service.

She said: “This bus is a very popular bus for many people in many areas on the route.

“As it is the only bus in some areas that can really take you to town or to any other place on the route. It’s a very busy bus that is very used by everybody.

“It is one of the most used buses that I would not recommend taking away as it will cause distress from local people travelling from place to place in the town.”

The petition set up by Sarah has reached close to 1,000 signatures.

Another petition by Emma Caffrey, from Lea, goes direct to Preston Bus and its parent company Rotala.

Emma said: “This service is a vital link for the residents of Preston especially with its route to Royal Preston Hospital we urge Preston Bus to rethink this decision and retain this well used service.”

Larches councillor Mark Yates said many residents had been contacting him since Friday 5 February when drivers began telling passengers the service would be withdrawn.

He said: “The 88 service is a vital link to the residents of Larches and indeed other areas of the City if this service is withdrawn many people have told me how they use it for appointments at Royal Preston Hospital and this only add to the parking problems.”

Thomas Calderbank of Preston Bus said: “We have now finalised arrangements for the Preston Network Review, effective Monday 4th April.

“The Preston Orbit service 88A and 88C will be dismantled and replaced by a number of shorter services.”

Do you use the Orbit bus? What do you think of the proposed changes? Let us know in the comments below