Free bus to be axed?

The future of the free city-centre bus hangs in the balance this week after the council has proposed to withdraw its share of the £370,000 annual funding.
The service costs are currently split between the city council and the public transport provider Metro, with around £75,000 generated from advertising.
Without financial support from the city council, the Metro deputy chairman said: “There will be no option but to withdraw the service because the whole basis is that it’s a shared venture between Metro and the council.”
Leeds council have had to make £90m of savings in response to government funding cuts.
Councillor Richard Lewis, executive member for city development said: “It is unfortunate that massive budget cuts imposed by the Tory/Lib Dem government have forced us to stop our contribution to the Free City bus.
“Having to find cuts of £90m in a single year has meant some very tough decisions.”
Surveys suggest that 75% of people currently using the free bus would walk it if it became unavailable.
Kevin, a commuter from Leeds, said: “Everyone understands the pressures on local councils. However, it’s important that, when looking at cuts, they remember the vulnerable people in our society.
“One in four people unable to get where they are going is a staggering amount and the council is being shortsighted if it thinks this won’t impact the wider agenda.”
Over 7.5m passengers have used the service since its launch five years ago.
LUU Community Officer Paul Gold added: “If the Council decides to go ahead with the plan and scrap the free bus, I really worry for the future of public transport in Leeds.
“Although the whole country is facing unprecedented cuts, Leeds already suffers from extremely poor public transport and this new move will only make matters worse.”
The council will meet next month to make a final decision regarding the future of the free city-centre bus.
To oppose the cuts, join on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Save-the-Leeds-Free-Bus/191027250918474 or send an email to metroline@wypte.gov.uk.
A petition has also been set up to keep the free bus, with the option to support a small fee.