Bedford Borough Bucks National Bus Decline Trend With Increased Coverage

Newly-published official bus coverage figures have once again highlighted the sharp contrast between the growth of local bus services in Bedford Borough in recent years and the dramatic fall in bus coverage across the country.

They follow the national research published by the BBC last year showing that bus coverage in Bedford Borough had increased by more than anywhere else in the country over recent years.

The rise has come despite an alarming national decline in bus coverage and available services for communities across the country, and is yet another example of how Mayor Dave Hodgson has fought successfully to protect local services from the impact of government funding cuts.

The new figures published by the Department for Transport show that 3.5 million miles were covered by bus services in Bedford Borough in 2017/18. This confirms a rise over recent years which last year saw BBC research reveal that while bus mileage nationally was at its lowest in 30 years, in Bedford Borough it had not only risen but had done so by a higher proportion than anywhere else in the country.

Commenting, Mayor Dave Hodgson said: "We know that bus services can be a lifeline for many people, especially in rural areas. That's why we've worked to increase bus coverage, even in the face of massive government funding cuts and a shocking national decline in bus coverage, ensuring local communities are not cut off from employment, leisure and other opportunities. We'll keep working to protect and increase people's access to bus services."