WITH reference to the Consultation Document regarding changes to local bus services, two options are being considered which read as follows:-

Option 1: Reduce number of journeys.

Option 2: Withdraw service and replace with a flexible transport service. Depending on the type of service offered, you may need to book your trip in advance. Departure times and precise pick up/drop off points will be confirmed when you make your booking. Bus passes will be accepted on registered local bus services, but may not be accepted on some community transport.

Neither option is ideal, but option two presents more questions than answers. How can you make a health or business appointment in town when you don't know the departure time from your village, or arrival time at your destination until you book? Which route will the bus take and how many pick ups will it make, how do I estimate journey time for making connections?

Community transport such as 'Dial-a-Ride' is not classed as a registered local bus service and does not accept passes. Can we have assurance that flexible transport will be a registered local bus service before any decisions on options are made?

Will community transport have level access for pushchairs and people with mobility problems; will there be space for shopping trolleys and luggage?

If a local organisation has to set up a flexible community transport system it will need to obtain suitable vehicles, qualified drivers, admin staff, a garage/depot for maintenance staff, parking etc, etc, and would probably be asking the council for help with funding. What is the point of all this capital outlay when we already have in place registered local bus operators with all the facilities, providing a good service.

I am aware that the county council has to make saving and choices are difficult. The buses between Gloucester and Cheltenham run every 10 minutes, so do many other services around the city. Do they really need services running that frequently where all the facilities are close to hand and there isn't a hill in sight? In the Forest, post offices, shops and health centres are few and far between, many are located on top of a steep hill or deep in the valley, so our bus service is vital.

We need a scheduled registered service that will accept concessionary passes; we need to make our concerns widely known and time is of the essence.?If we do nothing, that's probably what we'll end up with!

– Mrs E Thomas, Pillowell.