Neil has called on Leicestershire County Council to review bus subsidies following problems for residents over changes to routes in Wigston.
Residents in Wigston and South Wigston voiced significant concerns and frustration following recent changes to the 44/44A services, as well as the 44B, 47/48 and 49 Arriva bus routes across the area.
Key concerns raised include the removal of services to the Little Hill and Meadows areas, alongside a reduction in service frequency. Routes which previously operated every 12–15 minutes are now reportedly running only every 30 minutes.
Residents have also highlighted significantly longer journey times into Leicester, poor reliability, lengthy walks to alternative bus stops, and inadequate communication regarding timetable changes.
Neil said that it is clear there is a problem.
“While Arriva outlined the reasons behind the changes during a meeting last month, many residents still feel the new services are failing to meet local needs.
“Leicestershire County Council has subsidised services operating to Fleckney. But that has contributed to wider changes across the bus network, including Arriva’s decision to redraw routes serving Wigston and South Wigston.
“Given the strength of local feeling, I believe we must look at how these subsidy arrangements are operating.
“As routes within Wigston are not currently subsidised, rebalancing the subsidy to include Wigston residents could help restore a reliable and effective service.
“I am now requesting a meeting with Leicestershire County Council at the earliest opportunity to discuss this situation and explore what subsidy options may be available to improve bus services and routes.”
