Date: 15th January 2010
Fears
for the Future of Bus Travel in the
Towns
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Conservative administration rejected out of hand both the
deeply held concerns about the plans for the new bus station, and
the opposition proposals for free bus travel for young people in
Medway.
Several Labour councillors spoke of their fears that the bus
station would not meet the needs of residents, was being rushed,
and that there had been a very negative public response to the
plans.
Confirmation that the Tories do not view public transport as a
priority came later in the evening, when they refused even to
investigate the costs of the free bus travel scheme.
Cllr Maple said,
“It was clear last night that the Tories are going to ignore the
needs of local residents when it comes to public transport and that
they can’t handle big development projects.”
“I’m genuinely concerned that the bus station is heading for
disaster. They’ve had four years to get it right, and are
rushing through a design at the last minute, with no scrutiny and
little public support if the letters in the press are anything to
go by.”
“Equally depressing was their response to the motion about free bus
travel for young people. Given the success of Labour’s half
price bus fares scheme, and that it’s come in significantly under
budget, we felt that the Council should look at extending it.
But the Tories wouldn’t even cost up the proposal.”
“I’m not surprised, because they have form on this. They’re
currently spending around £250 000 on carrying 300 children from
Hempstead and Lordswood to school, which dwarfs the amount spent on
half price bus fares. The finance Portfolio Holder also
claimed that the half price bus fares scheme would cost £9 million-
which is why we were asking for officers to cost up the proposed
free travel!”
“Once again, the Tories are demonstrating a lack of leadership and
vision.”
ENDS
For further comment please contact Cllr Vince Maple on Mobile:
07981 661451. Alternatively contact the Group office on 01634
332393.
Notes to Editor
The Labour amendment, which was accepted by the Liberal
Democrats in place of their motion, was as follows:
“This Council supports the introduction of a fully free bus travel
scheme for young people up to the age of 18, who are resident in
Medway and in full time education. This Council asks officers
to cost it in time for the Council’s forthcoming budget meeting.
The investigation is to include the current underspend on the half
price scheme.”
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