Key Highlights
- Plymouth needs a more frequent and reliable bus service for reduced car usage.
- The city has received £5.2 million from the government over three years to improve public transport.
- Electric buses have been introduced, but residents are concerned about their reliability and cost.
- Residents believe lower fares and better connectivity could encourage more people to use public transport.
The Struggle for Reliable Public Transport in Plymouth
Plymouth city centre is facing a major challenge: how to improve its public bus service. In recent years, residents have complained about the declining quality of local transportation options, particularly since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. The situation has escalated to such an extent that some are now calling for more frequent and reliable services to reduce car usage on city roads.
A £5.2 Million Boost from the Government
The government’s recent announcement of a £5.2 million annual injection over three years for Plymouth is a significant step towards addressing these issues. This funding forms part of a larger £245.9 million investment in buses across the South West, aimed at enhancing public transport infrastructure and encouraging more people to use buses rather than cars.
Local Efforts and Challenges
Plymouth City Council is committed to increasing bus usage, which has declined since the pandemic. As part of its strategy, the council introduced a series of improvements in 2023, including new routes, Sunday services, better stops, digital passenger information, and safety enhancements at key locations like Royal Parade. However, these changes have not been without controversy.
Elizabeth Casey from Ernesettle expressed frustration with the ongoing works at Royal Parade bus stop, which she said had caused significant disruption over nearly a year.
She highlighted that while the app providing real-time updates has been useful, its intermittent failures are sources of considerable annoyance: “It happens numerous times,” she noted.
The hourly Sunday service from the Pennycross area into Plymouth city centre is another point of contention. Casey pointed out that the service is not frequent enough and often results in cancellations with no replacements, leaving many elderly residents standing in cold and wet conditions during winter months. She suggested a reduction in fares as an incentive to boost bus usage.
Electric Buses: A Mixed Reception
The introduction of 50 new electric buses through a £31 million joint partnership between Plymouth City Council, Cornwall Council, and Stagecoach South West has been met with both excitement and concern. While the new vehicles are seen as environmentally friendly, residents are worried about their reliability and cost. Casey emphasized that “They cost a lot and there can be a lot of issues with them.” Her sentiment reflects broader concerns among locals who fear potential breakdowns in remote areas.
Expert Perspectives
Plymouth City Council cabinet member for strategic planning and highways, Cllr John Stephens, acknowledged the challenges but remains optimistic. He stated that the multi-year funding would allow the council to make long-term investments, including more frequent and reliable services. Despite these efforts, there is still a need to balance costs with user expectations.
Stagecoach South West managing director Peter Knight echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the value of public transport in everyday life despite recent fare increases across Devon. He highlighted that Stagecoach’s ticketing options like Skipper tickets provide good value for money and suggested that discussions on combined rail and bus tickets are ongoing.
A Journey Towards Improved Public Transport
The journey to improved public transportation in Plymouth is ongoing, with both local authorities and community members playing crucial roles. As the city continues to implement its bus service improvement plan, it faces the challenge of balancing the needs of different user groups while ensuring sustainable and reliable services.
In conclusion, while the £5.2 million funding from the government is a positive step, addressing the concerns raised by residents will require continued effort and collaboration between various stakeholders. The success of this initiative hinges on delivering a bus service that not only meets but exceeds local expectations for reliability and frequency.
