AXED SERVICES' * UK - First Bus wields the axe on Wiltshire services

Wiltshire,UK -This is Wiltshire, by Craig Evry -17 March 2009: -- First Bus has said the tough economic climate has led to its decision to no longer operate services between Trowbridge and Devizes and Trowbridge and Melksham, while three west Wiltshire villages will not be served at all... First has axed services 237 (Trowbridge to Melksham), 266 (Trowbridge including the school bus from Clarendon and John of Gaunt schools), 77 (Trowbridge to Devizes via Steeple Ashton and Keevil) and will no longer serve Holt, Staverton and Broughton Gifford... Wiltsire County Council said a few minutes ago it was aware of First's decision and had made arrangements for all three of the services to continue to an almost identical timetable... (First Bus wields the axe on Wiltshire services )


* Sawbridgeworth: Funding battle to save town bus routes

Sawbridgeworth,Harlow,UK -The Harlow Gerald -18 March 2009: -- A community bus service could be extended to save threatened routes in Sawbridgeworth... The SW1, 2, 3 circular services, operated by Arriva, are due to end in August after Hertfordshire County Council (HCC) removed the £483,000 of funding required to run the service... Although it is the most used community service run by the council, with 16,000 passengers per year, it is also the most costly and has been identified as no longer being a core service... Discussions between East Herts Council and HCC's Passenger Transport Unit have indicated there may be alternative solutions with potential for a more focused, community transport operation that addresses the key needs of local residents... The council has indicated that they would be prepared to donate one of their buses for such a venture, but potential partners and funding will need to be sought... The recommendation that East Herts Council makes available a subsidy of approximately £24,050 for community transport was accepted at a meeting of the Executive on Tuesday night...