Common concerns amongst residents include the loss of the half hourly services to Burnley and last-minute cancellations, causing major issues for those who rely on buses to travel to work, school and healthcare appointments.
The Town Council’s Development Committee, working with Calderdale Councillors, has been continuing to apply pressure on First Bus and WYCA, to provide better, more accessible public transport for residents, and has been successful in part, with the restoration of the 590 through service from Halifax to Rochdale in May.
Todmorden Town Council understands the need to secure regular and reliable bus services for all and remains committed to representing the community. Whilst the Town Council itself does not operate or fund bus services directly, it continues to use its voice to advocate and highlight the demand for improvements and the impact of reduced services on local residents.
Cllr Susan Press, Mayor of Todmorden, said “The restoration of the 590 through service between Halifax and Rochdale is a welcome decision but services to Burnley have been cut and those which remain are infrequent and unreliable. We hope progress can be made by all concerned in restoring what used to be an exemplary bus service in the Calder Valley”
In a show of public support, Todmorden Town Council backed an online petition launched by Town Councillor Tyler Hanley, which has gained over 2000 signatures, calling for a review of bus service reductions. The petition serves as a clear signal, to the regional transport authorities, of the importance of these services.
Cllr Tyler Hanley, Vice-chair of the Town Council’s Development Committee said “The reduced bus rate is totally unacceptable. An hourly service that may or may not show up is in no way appropriate for our town. The livelihoods of many residents and businesses depend on buses that are frequent and arrive on time. On this, Todmorden’s voice must be heard.”