Written evidence from M McKenzie (BUS
90)
I live in Threshfield, a small village in the Yorkshire
Dales National Park, and write to express my concerns about the
possible threat to our local bus services. In my view it is vital
that these should be protected because:
Many
local residents do not have their own transport and a bus link
to our nearest market town is essential, particularly so for the
elderly, for those on low incomes and for those who are too young
to drive.
It
is a "green" service keeping unnecessary cars off the
roads, cutting down on pollution and greenhouse gases.
Our
own bus service managed to keep going this winter despite the
snow and ice when many local residents were unable or unwilling
to risk driving.
Rural
communities have already had to bear the brunt of increased fuel
charges both for transportif we are to keep these communities
alive and thriving we have to ensure that those on low and average
incomes can still afford to live here and to get to their place
of employment.
In times of recession it seems to me even more important
that we protect the few services available for the more vulnerable
members of our society.
March 2011
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