LIBERAL Democrats in Bath and North East Somerset (B&NES) have launched a campaign to protect local bus services amid warnings that a £6-million reduction in government funding could lead to route cuts across the area.

Campaigners say vital bus services in Bath and North East Somerset are under threat due to a funding squeeze, after the latest government bus grant to the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) and North Somerset fell by £6-million compared with the previous three-year period.

Affordable, reliable bus services are the easiest way for people to get to work, school, healthcare and leisure. Many routes serving smaller communities receive subsidies from WECA to ensure residents have access to public transport.

However Lib Dems warn significant sums are being spent on untargeted fare-based schemes and unreliable demand-responsive services rather than regularly scheduled bus routes.

Councillor Fiona Gourley, B&NES Lib Dem cabinet project lead for rural sustainable transport, said: “So many residents across Bath and North East Somerset absolutely rely on the very bus services threatened by Labour’s funding cuts. Although B&NES has increased its contribution, Councils cannot pick up the full tab.

“We are calling on the West of England Mayor to use funding to support essential, regular services. We all need more regular and reliable buses to give everyone real, healthy and affordable alternatives to the car to reduce congestion and pollution.

“Ultimately, we need better government funding and to progress franchising which would give local government greater influence over bus routes, rather than control being held by commercial companies.

“If you’d like to support our campaign, please sign our petition at www.bathneslibdems.org.uk/back-our-buses”

Campaigners say WECA has a choice about spending and are urging the mayor to use the Bus Grant to fund more regular buses for communities with limited or no services instead.

Anna Sabine, Liberal Democrat MP for Frome and East Somerset, said: “Buses are a lifeline in semi-rural areas like B&NES. Connecting the villages in my constituency of Frome and East Somerset, with bigger towns and to the city of Bath, is absolutely essential and the Government’s continued lack of investment in this area shows a total disregard for the needs of rural communities.”

Wera Hobhouse, Liberal Democrat MP for Bath, said: “Don’t be fooled - the latest bus grant is not a win for Bath. At a time when services are already under strain, this is a real-terms cut which will hit passengers hard. Instead of properly investing in our vital bus services, the Government is dressing up a funding cut as a success story.

“Buses are a lifeline for many in Bath. I absolutely encourage everyone to support this campaign; it’s high time we had reliable, affordable and frequent services. The Government must put powers to run our local buses in the hands of local people.”

The Government Bus Grant for the West of England Combined Authority and North Somerset was £57.5-million for three years in 2022 and £51.3-million for three years in 2026.