In the quaint landscapes of Wiltshire, public transport dynamo Andy operates a unique bus service where each day brings a new adventure. Amid a dearth of traditional public transport options, “on-demand” bus services orchestrated by local councils provide a novel solution to connect the rural populace.
This innovative adaptation by rural English councils, a service available for booking only when necessary, has been implemented by three-quarters of counties represented by the County Councils Network. However, an air of concern looms over this provision, as most services continue to incur losses, raising doubts about their viability without formidable fiscal fortification.
Bus services have suffered a considerable contraction over the years, now more so amidst the pandemic. As a result, councils have progressively introduced ‘bookable’ services, where a minibus operates following a reservation pre-booked by its users. The destinations on the route, which can be a hospital, train station, or local supermarket, depend entirely on the riders’ requirements.
While these services provide a much-needed lifeline in areas abandoned by commercial bus lines, the County Councils Network caution against seeing them as a replacement for commercial services. Their survey reveals a substantial majority of these ‘demand-responsive’ transport schemes operate at a loss. It underscores the services’ increasing financial burdens, with only a negligible number making a profit.
From the surveyed councils, 95% confirmed their bookable service runs at a loss while only one claimed a financial balance between profit and loss. Around 75% of responding councils offer this on-demand service, with most running multiple such services across their jurisdiction.
Stories such as that of Pewsey local Julie Wilson amplify the significance of these services. Julie, a non-driver, has relied on the service for her daily commute to the hospital to see her husband. Other happy consumers include Rosie Mooney of Devizes, who proudly claims the service helps maintain community connectivity.
Philip Hiscock, a vigilant observer of Wiltshire’s transport operations, believes the on-demand service is a step in the right direction but highlights certain issues with time slots and booking technology that need to be addressed.
Stephen-Giles Medhurst, the County Councils Network’s transport spokesperson, emphasizes that these services bolster, not replace existing ones and that government investment in traditional bus services still remains a crucial requisite for a comprehensive local transport network.
Concerns persist that curtailing bus routes can lead to communities being isolated from essential services. To restore the balance, the UK government has reportedly redirected £150m to boost bus services in some parts of England following the cancelation of the Birmingham-Manchester HS2 project.
However, some argue this infusion will barely make a difference. Over £3.5bn has been invested in enhancing and supporting buses since the pandemic broke out. Further help is at hand, with millions earmarked for councils to introduce bookable services and cap bus fares at £2 until the end of 2024.
Crucially, community services offering transport for older and vulnerable passengers can avail a 60% increase in fuel claim funding ensuring the continuation of these vital lifelines for rural communities.