Reduction in bus services to Sidmouth, Sidford and Sidbury
The Chamber of Commerce is very disappointed to learn of the reduction in bus services to Sidmouth, Sidford and Sidbury. We have made representations to both Stagecoach and our local councillors.
This reduction in services comes at the same time as we have doubled car parking charges in Sidmouth’s car parks. One of the explanations for doubling car park charges was to encourage people off the roads and on to public transport.
The conclusion to be reached is that Sidmouth, and probably the rest of Devon, needs an integrated transport system. Also, much as we wish to decrease pollution, and welcome the introduction of electric vehicles, we need to recognise that towns like Sidmouth have largely car-based and car-dependent economies. The recent cancellation of bus services, and the reminder that bus companies are private operators who can close services as and when they wish, underlines this.
The closure of these services will inevitably impact local businesses, as they rely in part upon reliable and regular buses for both customers and staff.
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