Petition to save ‘lifeline’ Bristol bus service

More than 1,100 people are calling for a bus service to be saved amid warnings residents will be left “isolated and marooned”.

The number 5 route is due to be axed as part of a raft of changes announced by operator First West of England earlier this month.

But as the only service that runs between Broadmead and Downend, through St Paul’s, St Werburgh’s, Stapleton and Fishponds, residents are calling for it to be saved, arguing the route is a “vital lifeline” for many in these communities.

They have launched a petition and say that those who currently rely on the number 5 bus route won’t be able to access essential local services without it.

It comes as Bristol Community Transport, which ran a Dial-a-Ride service and community minibuses as well as a number of regular routes, suddenly ceased all operations – although efforts to save some of the services have been successful.

The petition states: “The service is a lifeline for people who live in these areas where there are few local shops, doctors surgeries, pharmacies or other essential services.

“Without the number 5 bus, residents will not be able to access these services. This is especially true for older and disabled people, parents with young children living in each area and others who cannot afford to own a car and are unable to cycle or walk. Isolation and a lack of access to services will have a negative impact on the health and wellbeing of people who rely on this bus service.

“We call on WECA mayor Dan Norris and managing director at First Bus Doug Claringbold to reconsider the disastrous decision to scrap the number five bus service in Bristol; and to maintain this essential service for the communities which it serves. We demand urgent reassurance that a regular and convenient bus service will be maintained in these areas.”

First has blamed falling passenger numbers and an “acute” driver shortage for the cuts to services.

Announcing the changes on September 1, Claringbold said that “the very last thing any transport operator wants to do is reduce or cut any services”

He added: “We recognise the impact these changes will have on some of our communities and we are truly sorry for those who will be affected.”

Dan Norris and Doug Claringbold say a shortage of bus drivers is largely to blame for the cuts – photo: WECA

Responding to calls to save the number 5 route, metro mayor Dan Norris said he shares residents’ disappointment and frustration, adding that the issue isn’t down to money but the severe shortage of drivers.

Norris said he is hopeful that at least some of the route will be served by the new 47 service, which will cover Fishponds and St Werburgh’s, although the exact route is yet to be confirmed.

He added: “The last thing we want to see, or need, is fewer buses. While this is a difficult time for so many Bristolians, I urge everyone to use the buses that are running because every journey local people take is really important in creating a virtuous circle of more fare income and so better buses for all. It’s also vital so we can meet our highly ambitious local 2030 net-zero target”.

Main photo: Lori Streich via Change.org 

Read more:

• First reveal which Bristol bus services will be scrapped
• More than 10 bus services to stop as Bristol Community Transport ceases operations 
• Temporary exemption period for Bristol Clean Air Zone extended

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