Buses on the brink as 1,100 routes axed in 2022 despite Tory promises

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An analysis of official figures by the Liberal Democrats showed that bus routes were cut by 7.5% nationwide in 2022 compared to the previous year

Roads have been reduced by 7.5% in 2022 compared to the previous year (

Image: Andy Commins/Daily Mirror)

More than 1,100 bus routes were cut last year, despite Tory promises to protect and improve services.

An analysis of official figures by the Liberal Democrats showed that bus routes were reduced by 7.5% nationwide in 2022 compared to the previous year.

The West Midlands was the hardest hit region, losing nearly 400 roads in a single year. The Northeast lost nearly 300.

Government data shows a staggering 3,903 routes have been lost since 2015, with the North East alone losing nearly 900 services.

The stark numbers come despite Boris Johnson's 'Bus Back Better' strategy in 2019, which promised "thousands of new buses, improved routes and higher frequencies".

Lib Dem transport spokeswoman Wera Hobhouse called on the government to intervene to prevent local bus services from 'switching off'.

"Our bus services are on the brink," she said.

Wera Hobhouse, Lib Dem transport spokesperson (

Picture:

Bath Chronicle)

“From improving the return of buses to buses going bankrupt, this government has completely failed to protect public transport and it is hurting our communities.”

Around 43% of those who travel by bus do so for work or education, raising concerns that the cuts will hurt jobs and businesses.

Ms Hobhouse added: "From Cornwall to Cumbria, there are pensioners, students and commuters who are being left behind as they find themselves stranded by these cuts.

"This Conservative government has taken our communities for granted by overseeing years of shocking bus route cuts, leaving commuters and students without the vital services they need to get on with their lives."

A spokesman for the Department for Transport said: "Since March 2020 we have invested over £2bn to maintain the bus routes, including an additional £80m to continue to protect the bus routes vital until the end of June.

"To encourage more people to get back on the bus, we've also capped tic...