Recently, I met the new MD of Firstbus, Ian Humphrey’s, who took over the role earlier this year.
Bus route and timetable changes have hit residents hard in Rother Valley - there is no longer a direct link between our area and Crystal Peaks. This means that elderly residents have lost the transport connection to a key area where they used to go to shop and socialise.
I raised this issue with Ian during the meeting, and highlighted the impact on Crystal Peaks as a business, but sadly there were no answers forthcoming.
Whilst Ian pointed reduced passenger numbers, the reality is that these queries need to be directed to the Mayor of the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, Oliver Coppard, who has overall devolved responsibility and funding for public transport in our area.
I will continue to press Oliver Coppard for a meeting to discuss the Crystal Peaks issue and others, and hope that some dates are forthcoming.