Changes made to Preston Bus will result in the cut back of a popular Ribbleton service.
AdvertisementFrom Monday 3 September, the number 14 service between Preston Bus Station and Holme Slack is being cut back.
No longer serving Ronaldsway, Cromwell Road and through to Longsands, the bus will now terminate at Holme Slack instead.
It will operate half-hourly from Monday – Saturday on daytime.
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The sudden change to the commercially–run service comes after Preston Bus conducted a commercial review and deemed the service unsustainable.
A spokesperson for Preston Bus said: “Following a commercial review of all our services, Preston Bus regrettably announces that from 3 September 2018, service 14 will terminate at Holme Slack, Lily Grove and will no longer serve the Ronaldsway and Longsands area.
“Unfortunately, due to a constant decline in patronage the extended service through Ronaldsway to Longsands service is no longer sustainable.
“Whilst it is little comfort to those affected, this decision has not been taken likely but is necessary.
“For further information or advice, please contact Preston Bus Limited on 01772 256671 or email us at customer care via our website.”
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Jane Dryland lives in the area and is concerned about how the bus service will affect the local community. She said: “I think it was typical, people tend to think that everyone has cars. It’s affecting people who don’t drive like the elderly and I don’t know what will happen to students.
“It’s teenagers who I’m really concerned about. My friends have children who go to Newman College and rely on the bus service.
“They’ve set up direct debits and on the Newman College website it still states that the bus goes to the college.
“Thankfully my daughter goes to Runshaw so they have the separate bus service, but it’s affecting teenagers on our estate. In summer it’s not too bad because they can walk to the bus stop, but in Winter when it’s cold and wet, they will have to walk one mile to the bus stop. I wouldn’t want my children doing that.
“When students have free periods during the day, they can’t come home and at that age they want their own independence.
“It’s not environmentally friendly because parents will have to drive them around more.”
A petition has now been set up against the changes to the bus service. You can sign it here.
Are you affected by the bus service cuts? What do you think about it? Let us know in the comments below