Rob Butler slams potential Arriva Depot closures

Aylesbury's MP has told Buck Radio he is concerned and disappointed by the Bus Company's announcement that it could close both depots due to the costs involved. Bucks Council and Leader of Aylesbury Town Council have also commented on the news.

Arriva have said they've "taken the difficult decision to begin consultation with our colleagues on the proposed closure of our Aylesbury and High Wycombe depots. Despite extensive efforts to turn the situation around, including making network changes to better reflect local demand, both sites continue to be loss-making.  plan to start a consultation which could lead to the Aylesbury and High Wycombe depots closing".

Rob Butler has given his response to Bucks Radio;

 Mr Butler has also confirmed he's demanded an urgent meeting with senior management at Arriva to voice his strong opposition to the proposals.

I've spoken to the Minister for Buses @GuyOpperman @transportgovuk this afternoon to let him know how angry residents are about Arriva's decision to close Aylesbury bus depot. I emphasised that the company's benefitted from Government support and mustn't now abandon local people https://t.co/JbPr8EyN6K

— Rob Butler (@RobBAylesbury) May 15, 2024

Buckinghamshire Council are disappointed that this announcement has come with little warning:

Peter Martin, Deputy Cabinet Member for Transport said: "Arriva have made Buckinghamshire Council aware of proposals to consult on the closure of both their Smeaton Close, Aylesbury and Lincoln Road, High Wycombe bus depots from the end of July. "Bus services in England are deregulated with the majority of services provide by commercial bus operators. Buckinghamshire Council does not have control over the commercial bus operators and the services they provide in our local area and neither are we in a position to subsidise or take over the proposed routes affected. "While we are sympathetic to the reasons Arriva have given for their decision, we are also disappointed that this announcement has come with little warning and we are concerned about the negative impact this could have for passengers. We are aware that another bus operator, Carousel Buses, have indicated their intention to take over the vast majority of affected routes which is welcomed. We will be working closely with them and other local bus operators over the coming weeks to ensure that services are sustained wherever possible."

Extremely concerned and disappointed by this news from @arrivatheshires at a time when our roads are so congested cutting bus services and associated jobs is not the answer https://t.co/2x9ofxbgBT

— Richard Lloyd (@RichLLoyd) May 15, 2024