East Lancashire hospitals’ free shuttle ends. Councillors raise concerns. New paid service starts. They are seeking funding inquiry and better access.
Cllr Aurangzeb Ali thinks the paid bus is not a good solution. He says people feel abandoned, mentioning Lancashire County Council. He claims they failed to protect this transport.
NHS staff may pay £120 a month to get to work. Ali worries this pushes them away and wants an inquiry into bus funding use.
County Cllr Usman Arif thanks campaigners. He says the new service is not ideal but wants better terms for the community, adding that fair healthcare access is what matters.
The council says the NHS Trust decided to stop the free bus. Cllr Scott Smith is happy a company saved the service, saying people get a direct bus with town center stops.
Martin Hodgson, the Hospitals Chief Executive, is also happy. He thanks Moving People and will help promote the new bus route widely. It is supported by local groups and MPs.
