Save this service ...

Jan 16 2008 by Andrew Baldwin, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

IT’S a little over two years since fanfares were sounded at the launch of a new taxibus for people living in isolated homes on the hills above the Colne Valley.

Less well-publicised is that the service may now be axed because of the withdrawal of funds.

The threat spells out all that is wrong with how Britain runs its public transport system.

And with politicians’ soundbites, for that matter.

Cash for this valuable link came originally from the Government’s Rural Challenge fund – a great idea in principle, but a sad failure if no provision is made for the future running costs of projects set up with the money.

By all accounts, the taxibus seems to have been viewed as a valuable and popular resource and gets people to where they want to go.

But the politicians have moved on to other pet ideas and it now faces the end of the road.

Back in 2005, the aims of what was then the new taxibus service were stated with clarity.

“It will be affordable and give better access to jobs, training, health facilities, community services and leisure activities,” said a Metro spokesman at the time.

Sadly, there will now be people for whom these opportunities will be taken away if the taxibus service does end.

No amount of spin will persuade anyone that lives will be improved.