That this House notes the plans by First Group to reduce bus services in north Bristol; recognises that these services are used by a significant number of elderly and vulnerable people as their main means of transport; further notes that First Group holds monopoly on bus services in Bristol; and calls on the Government to do everything in its power to persuade First to retain these services, and to open up competition in the provision of bus services in major cities.
"We must get to grips with the public transport system in Bristol. The monopoly of First Group of the city's buses, is resulting in a public transport system that is expensive to use and is driving passengers back into their cars. The market must be opened up to competition. What we are seeing at the present time in Bristol is a bus company that gives the impression that its prime motivation is to shareholders and not the customer."
In response to the cancellation of the 54a and 55 services, Paul Harrod commented:
"Bristol needs competition. If more companies were operating the lucrative services in the centre of the city there would be more money to subsidise so-called "unprofitable" services such as the 54a and 55. I am campaigning to get these routes back and also for the introduction of greater competition so we do not have to face this issue again."
