Fears over planned bus service changes

Jan 12 2009 by Joanne Douglas, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

PLANS are under way to make major changes to bus services in north Kirklees.

The Arriva company is planning to alter services in the area and will release details on Wednesday.

Local councillors fear cuts and say it will hit the area’s most vulnerable residents, including elderly people.

They are now planning a meeting with Arriva and the West Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive to persuade them not to make any changes to vital services.

Batley councillor Shabir Pandor believes Arriva wants to reduce services in a bid to cut costs.

He said: “This whole issue is cost-driven. The objective is nothing more than cutting services and making bigger profits.

“The aim should be about how services are improved and developed.

“I have been told services will be cut which will have a detrimental effect on bus routes, frequency and will not develop the service to the needs of local people.