John Battle, Labour MP for Leeds West, has
called on the Council not to cut the Nightlink women’s bus service.
He said, “Several constituents have contacted me recently about
fears that Leeds City Council is ending its financial support for the
Nightlink women’s bus service.
“Nightlink provides a point to point bus service between 5:00 and
11:00pm, booked in advance, and is a much appreciated affordable service
for women travelling in the evenings, for work, leisure, and study as
well as travel to hospital and health services. It’s good for the
city’s economy as it allows more people to work and to go out in
the evenings, it’s good for transport policy as using buses reduces
congestion and pollution, and it’s good for community safety.
“I strongly urge the Council’s coalition leadership not to
cut this service. The Green Councillors really do need to face up to their
responsibilities – there’s little point in them putting on
a Christmas bus once a year if now they are part of the Council’s
ruling coalition they axe buses that serve the city every other day of
the year. “The manner in which this has been handled, with the service
given just three weeks notice before it closes its doors, is causing great
difficulties for my constituents particularly those who took jobs working
in the evenings, relying on Nightlink for transport – they will
probably have to quit. More notice would have given more opportunity to
make alternative arrangements.” |