Leeds "Free City Bus" Ceases To Be Free

People in the city of Leeds have had to face another in a long series of service cuts today. The "Free City Bus" that used to transport all-comers around the city centre has begun to refuse rides to people without eligible tickets or money.

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Cuts Swinge Sweet Chariot

This latest in an ongoing series of cuts, in which Loiners have received less service for (typically) higher taxes, has left many who travel through Leeds shocked and skint today. The small vehicles that link together Leeds's public transport hubs and popular destinations have stopped taking passenegers for free. This leaves many people who live, work in or pass through Leeds £1 per day (50p per ride) poorer, or having to spend more time making journeys which no longer connect.

Commuter David said today, "I have to be at work by 9AM sharp. This bus means that I can get the train into Leeds and be in the office on time. Now I have to choose between paying an extra £1 every day, or having to come on an earlier train, which means my working day would by an hour longer."

A press release from West Yorkshire Metro, who coordinate public transport services in the area, says, "It has been necessary to introduce this fare due to public sector budget reductions. Use of the service will be assessed over the coming months before a decision on its long-term future is made." This does little to reassure users who rely on the regular service as part of their daily routine.

Dis-Integrated Transport Policy

The Free City Bus service which was introduced as part of a programme to connect Leeds's flailing public transport network was a great asset. Because of decades of mismanagement and inter-departmental feuds in local and national government, the city of Leeds has failed to provide its workers with an effective mass transit system. The bus service, which continues to run but is no longer free, was laid on as a sop against public disappointment.

During its years as a free circular service the bus helped to move people around the city and also hosted public art, such as on Light Night 2009 and 2010, and was repeatedly used as a venue by local Situationists and Others.

The future impact of this service cut could have various different effects on people. Some of us will have to get up a bit earlier in the morning; some will walk when before, we rode. The marginal health benefits from some of us getting increased exercise are however likely to be nullified by the increased pollution caused by others giving up on public transport as a lost cause.

Links:

Press release

Contact email: marker@indymedia.org