Story: Mick Ibbotson
At the end of October, First Buses withdrew the 10-minute 73 service between the City Centre and Ecclesfield and replaced it with an hourly daytime 72, running from the City, via Shirecliffe, only to the new Asda store at Parson Cross.
Most people we consulted expressed concern that the change had left part of lower Shirecliffe with no service at all and a large part of the area without evening or Sunday buses. There is now no direct link between Shirecliffe and neighbour Southey Green. However the new 72 route includes Longley Avenue West, along with the school, so although some people miss out, others are getting a new service.
Paul Howard, from Parkwood Academy, welcomed the new service, saying many pupils from the school would struggle to get in safely without it, but that extending the 72 to later in the evening would allow wider participation in extended curriculum and other activities.
Tracy Browes said, “many people are grumbling about the new service. I’m concerned about the fares, having been charged £1.95 to go two stops”
Pat Hague added, “this has cut Shirecliffe in half. How are disabled or old people expected to get about?”
The SYPTE confirmed “it was First’s decision.” As this is a trial, will the service be maintained and improved as time goes on or has the service been cut too far to be viable?