Leading Opposition Councilor Tom Hollis (Ash Ind) has written to Coun Neil Clarke (Con), chair of the Council’s Transport and Environment Committee, for confirmation the money will still be available after it was revealed that the government has reduced its national ‘better fines’ fund by more than half.
The Government recently wrote to transport leaders across the country that its £3billion fund, which aims to bring bus service up to ‘London standards’, has been cut to £1.4billion.
In November, a £98million bid was made to the Government to get the most out of the fund, including proposals to improve bus services, simplify fares and tickets, install more real-time displays and improve accessibility at bus stops in Nottinghamshire.
Count Tom Hollis is asking for clarification that funds will continue to be channeled into improving bus services.
Coun Hollis, spokesman for the Independent Alliance for Transport and Environment at County Hall and vice-chairman of Ashfield District Council, said: “The Independent Alliance was delighted to support the £98m bid to improve bus service in our county .
“Poor bus service is the main cause of isolation, contributes to poor social mobility and affects older people in our county.
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“The news from the government that they have cut more than half of the funding is terrible news for our bid.
“It could leave it in tatters as councils are forced to fight for less money.
“This is another broken promise and makes a mockery of any leveling.”
In his letter, Coun Hollis added: “Poor bus service in the Ashfield district and across Nottinghamshire – not least in more rural areas – is a major problem for residents – particularly our elderly residents, leading to isolation and poor social mobility.
“The problem of bad buses is also shared by residents of rural villages like Collingham and Winthorpe, whose service has been reduced from every half hour to every hour.
“I would be grateful if you could confirm whether Nottinghamshire County Council will revise the offer for better buses in light of the significant funding pot cut, which goes against the government’s leveling agenda.”