Parliament petitioned over Plymouth taxibus 'disgrace'
A PETITION has been handed to Parliament in protest at the scrapping of a taxibus in Plymouth, branding it a disgrace.
More than 250 signatures were presented to the House of Commons urging Government action to halt the withdrawal of the service running from Glenholt to the city centre, which campaigners say is used by residents to go to the doctors, shops, and community facilities.
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Alison-Seabeck
The loss of the service will cause "major inconvenience" say opponents of the move.
Alison Seabeck the MP for Plymouth, Moor View, says the cuts come amid continuing concern over the reduction in bus routes and services offered by Citybus since the Conservative-led council privatised the service last year.
The petition states people "are unhappy with the decision to withdraw the taxibus service that serves the residents in the north of Plymouth" and notes that people in St Budeaux and Weston Mill use the service "to access their GP surgery, dentist, shops and other community facilities".
It also adds that "the withdrawal of this service will cause major inconvenience to residents".
The petitioners called on the Government "to encourage local authorities to support local taxibus services to avoid these vital public transport services being removed".
Ms Seabeck said: "Local people rely on regular services to get out and about and the cuts that we are now starting to see will seriously reduce the quality of life for people across the city and will prove damaging to jobs and our local economy.
"I was also shocked to learn of the withdrawal of the taxibus service in the north of the city. I know how much many local people rely on this service to get them to the shops or the doctors.
"People, especially the elderly, fear the isolation caused by the withdrawal of these links. The failure of Taxi Fast to consult local residents or councillors is a disgrace.
"I will continue to campaign for a better bus service in Plymouth and oppose local cuts in services. We've already seen that the bus companies will back down if local people make a stand as they did for route 45/A and I commit to working with residents to keep these services running."
19 Comments
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by Lee Finn, Plymouth
Thursday, July 29 2010, 5:25PM
“Considering Dafydd Williams, Former Labour Council Cabinet Member for Transport statement & Chris, Stokes previous comments to slander ones integrity, common political practice I might add. Leaving one too question certain individual¿s ability to firstly represent the electorate and secondly, make decisions required to take this city forward; minus acting in the interest of objective impartiality!
I hereby grant all Herald readers access to all the document¿s I have submitted to The Head of legal services Plymouth City Council, Mr David v Shepperd for consideration of case number AC2010 M2 R1.
You are all then free to come to your own judgment. Note:you may need to make a FOI request in-order to get the aforementioned documents released.”
by Chris Packett, Crownhill
Thursday, July 29 2010, 4:07PM
“This little used service is costing the ratepayers of Plymouth £650,000 every year.”
by Capn Jasper, crownhill
Thursday, July 29 2010, 4:05PM
“The disgrace was that the council was paying an annual subsidy to Taxifast of £650,000 regardless of how many passengers it carried.”
by Mick, Barbican
Thursday, July 29 2010, 3:57PM
“If the service was losing money why shouldn't it be scrapped?”
by Lee, Plymouth
Thursday, July 29 2010, 3:53PM
“Dafydd Williams, Former Council Cabinet Member for Transport i believe a special mention has been reserved for you in the production....Evidence companies house for company registered 4252067/Ref DS/CAC- 363s Annual return/363 a ef and so the list goes on. So all i say can be duly supported....ooh forgot Mr Williams you were not listed in the Cabinet minutes of the meeting concerning the awarding of the licences on the 18th December 2007 @ 2.30pm? report C58 07/08 item 1-3? CAn go on if you want anymore evidence Mr Williams ex Labour Councillor who jumped before well we know why?”
by Pam, N Plymouth
Thursday, July 29 2010, 3:36PM
“This taxi/bus service passes my doorstep and almost always is running empty. Although it has been going for some time now, not once has any information been circulated in the area about how this service works. A leaflet just before the launch would have been handy but now it's too late and I have still no idea who can use it, where you stop it(as there are no bus stops in my street). It's all been a bit hush hush from start to finish. Now there is to be no service at all.”
by Another Option, Plymouth
Thursday, July 29 2010, 3:18PM
“Perhaps another alternative for these people would be the Hackney Carriage driver who offers 25% discount on ALL pre booked fares within the city boundaries, it certainly works for me and he is a very polite driver with a new cab!!!”
by Another Option, plymouth
Thursday, July 29 2010, 3:15PM
“Another Option for the users off this ill fated service would be the Hackney Carriage Driver who offers 25% discount on ALL pre booked fares within the city boundaries, just a thought for all the poor people who have lost this service!!”
by Dafydd Williams, Former Council Cabinet Member for Transport
Thursday, July 29 2010, 2:54PM
“I was the Cabinet Member at Plymouth City Council who originally approved this service and it was brought in to respond to many elderly and vulnerable residents in that part of the City who felt cut off. It is a great shame the Conservatives have seen fit to cut the service.
As for Lee Finn's comments - as usual he likes to make accusations without ever having any evidence to back them up.”
by Lee, Plymouth
Thursday, July 29 2010, 2:50PM
“Sorry Chris just been reminded to add the ¿You Tube video¿ which is in post production phase regarding not just this; but other matters of public importance (with copies of all the documents)¿.like you said its interesting what you glean as a Councillor¿but there again the 2 party system may not want to see it¿but the public do like to be kept informed, as you said make sure its published if only for others to judge so I am sure you will duly interested! So i hope this meets your request.”