Eastleigh MP says bus funding announcement “focusing on the wrong priorities”

Eastleigh MP says bus funding announcement “focusing on the wrong priorities”

Following Hampshire County Council’s announcement of funding to refurbish or replace 137 bus shelters across the county, Liz Jarvis, the Liberal Democrat MP for Eastleigh, has criticised the council’s misplaced focus.

While Ms Jarvis welcomes the investment in public infrastructure, she points out that “better bus shelters are of little use when there are no buses.” 

The popular 61 bus service, which was a crucial route that connected Eastleigh and Winchester with key villages in-between, was cut last year after Hampshire County Council withdrew its subsidy. Other services, including the 46 and 461, have also been removed.              

Meanwhile, the County Council has removed the Companion Bus Pass and introduced strict time limits restricting free travel to 9:30 AM and 11:00 PM for elderly and disabled passengers.

Commenting, Liz Jarvis MP said:

“From visually impaired people in my constituency being unable to use their bus discount before 9:30am, to the cutting of crucial local routes like the 61, 46 and 461 services, the existing bus infrastructure does not meet the needs of my constituents. 

“I am disappointed that having cut so many services in and around Eastleigh, Hampshire County Council is not doing more to reinstate them.

“Whilst it is important that bus shelters are maintained and I welcome that the Council has done that, better bus shelters are of little use when there are no buses. There is no lack of demand for these services, and local residents who rely on public transport feel let down by the County Council’s focus on the wrong priorities.”