Since I've been working on this local issue I've been keeping an eye on the local press, radio and TV to see what issues have been raised on the subject. The latest edition of the BBCs Countryfile programme on Sunday, 10th January, had a whole section - split in two - on the subject and included not only pensioners but young people who living in rural villages found it very difficult to get to work on time.
BBC Countryfile 10 January 2016 at 7 minutes in and 27 minutes along.
The solution, according to the programme and government officials being interviewed is that local councils have to 'spend smarter'. They need to concentrate their reduced funding (a total of 40% reduction) on vital areas and encourage local people to run volunteer bus services, ring and ride on demand buses and link in with volunteer services that might already be available in the area.
I've also recorded the broadcast (sound only) in case the above link is not available.
Not only did this broadcast state the problems with living in rural England but the second half of the item went further into how the problem could be solved. One of the main problems is that a large proportion of the passengers are those who are entitled to free bus passes. The rules were changed a couple of year's ago in that people using concessionary fares were not allowed to start their journeys before 9.30am but this just delayed the number of free rides. I've talked to people who have a free bus pass and they all seem quite willing to pay a small sum towards the bus fare, especially on the longer journeys between large towns if it meant there was a better, more appropriate service.
Local newspaper article on funding of rural bus services
Just this week (week commencing 11th January) there was an article in my local free newspaper which indicated that rural transport services would have their funding cut by £500,000.
If this proposal goes ahead then Dorset will lose more vital linking services between villages, small towns and the main towns of the county.
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