Bus changes ‘may increase pollution’
I’m writing to you about my worries concerning the proposed changes to the U1 bus route away from the centre of town and the bus stop. I live in Bath and work at the University of Bath. To travel to work I have to take the number 7 and the U1. I currently get the U1 at the Abbey bus stop which requires a small walk from the 7 bus stop near the weir to the Abbey. Unfortunately I have to use crutches and the proposed changes will require a much longer walk from the bus station to the Avon Street car park which is going to be very difficult for me. First Bus justify these changes ‘to improve congestion and air quality in the centre of Bath’ and go onto say ‘we are operating in a UNESCO World Heritage City which has a very serious air quality and congestion problem.’ I would like to argue that this is going to have the opposite effect. I, like many other people in my situation, will now have to consider buying a car which will increase congestion and air pollution. A bus which can have zero emissions is a much better way to lower congestion and improve air quality than an increase in the number of cars. First Bus also claim that they do not have to consult the public because the council does not subsidise this bus route. I wholeheartedly disagree with this for a number of reasons. First the possible increase in congestion and air pollution is a major concern for the local council, especially as this decision was the result of discussion with First Bus to reduce congestion and improve air quality. Second, First Bus are introducing the number 10 bus route to serve the residents of Bathwick Hill which is of no use to me because it starts at 9am and finishes at 2.30pm. This bus route will be subsidised by the council. Thus the direct consequence of First Bus’s proposed new route will be more subsidised buses for the council and an increase in congestion and air pollution. I appreciate we live in a World Heritage City and that we want to protect the city but surely the priority is to protect the planet. Without a planet there will be no city. I think this is a concern that is important to many in the City of Bath.