News / public transport
Activists occupy WECA offices to demand better buses
Protesters have occupied the West of England Combined Authority building in Redcliffe to demand better bus services.
The occupation was led by activist groups ‘Bristol Youth Strike 4 Climate’ and ‘Extinction Rebellion Youth Bristol’.
Activists said they planned to occupy the space “until Dan Norris promises to bring a franchising vote to the next WECA meeting.”
is needed now More than ever
One protester, who preferred to remain anonymous, told Bristol24/7 young people were campaigning for the franchising of transport in Bristol, so that “the people of Bristol get a say in the prices and transport routes”.
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“Every other Labour mayor in the UK is already on the path to franchising so why should Bristol be any different,” they said.
“People have lost trust that the buses will get them there on time, resulting in other modes of transport such as driving being the only viable option for a lot of people.
“This is contributing to the growing problem of air pollution which is already a huge problem in the city.
The activist groups have staged a number of protests in recent months over what they see as Bristol’s declining bus services, which have been increasingly marred by delays, cancellations, withdrawn routes and higher prices.
Youth activists will also protest on College Green at 1pm on Saturday.
“We hope the turnout at the protest tomorrow will be productive as it is an issue lots of people seem to care about.”
Main photo: Youth Strike 4 Climate
Read next:
- Protesters disrupt cabinet meeting over threats to council tax benefit
- How would you improve transport in Bristol?
- Changes to bus services coming as some routes cancelled
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