Sir Julian Smith KCB CBE MP, along with Cllrs Simon Myers and David Staveley, has met with Kirkby Lonsdale Coach Hire to raise concerns about the service.
During a meeting on Monday, 11th May, with Damion Edwards, Operations Director at KLCH, Julian highlighted the impact that the reduced timetable is having on communities along the route between Skipton and Settle.
Local residents have raised concerns about the effect on commuters, schoolchildren, and healthcare staff, as well as those attending medical appointments and carrying out everyday activities such as shopping and visiting family.
During the meeting, Mr Edwards outlined issues the company is facing in maintaining the previous timetable including passenger numbers outside of peak times, concessionary reimbursement rates, as well as recent rises in fuel prices.
The meeting follows Julian's letter to the Chancellor urging her to do what she can to mitigate the effects of these rises, due to the war in the Middle-East, on rural bus operators who are disproportionately impacted compared with their urban counterparts.
Speaking after the meeting, Julian said,
“I am concerned about the impact the reduction to the 580 service is having on residents across our rural communities.
"Reliable public transport is essential for people getting to work, school and vital appointments.
"I am grateful to Mr Edwards for meeting with me and outlining the challenges facing the operator, and to Cllr Myers and Cllr Staveley for clearly setting out residents’ concerns.
"While it was reassuring to hear that passenger numbers on the 580 route have remained stable, I will continue working with the operator, local councillors and others to help ensure our rural bus services are protected and supported.”
Family appeal for help finding cat after seven weeks missing in Gargrave
Man arrested on suspicion of supplying Class A drugs in Skipton
£20m regeneration programme launched for Keighley
Skipton Three Peaks challenge raises £8,000 for dementia charity
Keighley shops can keep selling alcohol despite licences being revoked
Police search for Keighley man following Skipton burglary
Beer and Gin Festival returning to Glusburn this weekend
North Yorkshire hospices warn of cuts and closures as funding crisis deepens
Silsden care home launches appeal for handmade clothes protectors
Keighley named best town in Yorkshire for second year running
Long-running Skipton craft shop to close as owners retire
Airedale Seniors Collective celebrates successful Silsden gathering
Skipton fish and chip shop sponsors junior football team
64 arrests made in North Yorkshire Police's biggest ever operation
Skipton BID celebrates Silver Gilt success at Yorkshire in Bloom Awards
Skipton BID rejects claims town is struggling
Sugden End tip reopening approved after £400,000 funding row
Over 500 Afghans resettled in North Yorkshire as 23 households await new homes
Craven College students join campaign to reopen Skipton-Colne railway
Cyclist dies following collision on A59 near Skipton
