Possible Cuts in Bus Routes

I picked up a story on the Oban Times website with unpleasant news for people on Islay and Jura, that is for people who use the regular bus services. According to the article several bus routes could be subject to cancellation due to budget cuts. Two possible routes are the Sunday bus service on Islay and the Thursday evening bus service from Jura to Islay. A quote from the article:

Islay’s summer Sunday bus service, a late evening bus from Campbeltown to Southend and the Thursday night Jura to Islay service could be among the first to suffer. Lack of funds meant a successful Sunday bus service around Islay could only run from May to September this year, though 1,700 people used it.

Mr Blades said: ‘Given the subsidy level, this service is vulnerable and it means it may not be possible to have it in 2010.’ A 12-seater bus runs from Jura to Islay and back each Thursday evening, allowing a late night shopping trip or a visit to the swimming pool for islanders. Though it is nearly full each time, ferry costs increased the subsidy needed and ‘serious consideration’ would be given to its future, said Mr Blades. He added the council aimed for a subsidy of £3.50 or less per passenger and routes costing much more would need to be examined. Councillor Donald Kelly urged full consultation with communities to look at boosting services, before any cuts were considered. The council is reviewing all public transport provision.