News / Transport
Bus campaigner calls for more transport power
Campaigner in Bristol is backing Liberal Democrat calls for the city to grab new powers so it can have more say over bus timetables and fares
A campaigner for better bus services in Bristol is backing Liberal Democrat calls for the city to grab new powers so it can have more say over bus timetables and fares.
Dan Farr, who gathered thousands of signatures on a petition last year calling for “fairer fares” and sparked a full council debate, wants to see Bus Quality Contracts or Partnerships introduced.
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He has launched a new petition which calls for the new contracts, as well as more transparency over ticket prices – including the possibility of printing the prices on timetables at bus stops.
Mr Farr met the group leader of the Lib Dems, Cllr Gary Hopkins, earlier this week to gain support for his campaign.
Last week, Cllr Hopkins wrote for Bristol24/7 calling for both the mayor George Ferguson and First Bus to “get on board with Bus Quality Contracts”.
These contracts would allow Bristol City Council to control routes, timetables and fares, and let out routes on a commercial basis.
This could be used to get cross subsidies within companies so that, as Cllr Hopkins said, “we get away from companies, like First, who rake it in on some routes and get out the begging bowl as soon as they lose a few pounds on other routes”.
Mr Farr added yesterday he aims to make a full statement at full council next week calling for a proper debate into a report about quality contracts due to be published next month.
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