New bus timetables released after council agree swingeing cuts

The changes have been long-expected after Herts County Council agreed controversial plans to cut £1.471million from the bus budget. It will affect all subsidised services on evenings and Sundays, as well as those that were “not providing value for money”, and will come into effect in September 2015.

This has been part of an over-arching cost-cutting regime by the council, which has seen £170million of cuts since 2010.

However council bosses claim the new timetable will have only a “minimal” impact on passengers.

Councillor Derrick Ashley, cabinet member for transport, said: “Our officers have been in discussion with commercial bus operators to minimise the impact on passengers.

“I am happy to say that some are stepping in to cover parts of some 15 services which would otherwise have been withdrawn on a commercial basis, safeguarding many of the passenger journeys that were at risk. I would like to thank bus operators for their support during this process.

“These changes are enabling Hertfordshire County Council to save £1.471million from the bus budget which is vital when we have such large savings to make in all areas.

“Hertfordshire County Council is committed to finding savings through efficiencies, working with partners and being innovative where possible providing value for money for taxpayers. Hertfordshire taxpayers will continue to fund a substantial subsidy to ensure essential day time links are maintained particularly in the rural areas.”

According to the council the changes will only affect two per cent of passenger journeys, with the majority of services unaffected.

More details can be found online at www.hertsdirect.org/bus