There are concerns for people who could be unable to get to Peterborough due to bus service cuts
From the 31st of August, the service which links Peterborough, Whittlesey, Ramsey and Upwood as well as some other routes will no longer operate
The Transport Secretary says the government is working on giving local leaders in Peterborough more power around transport.
It comes after it was announced that from the 31st August, the service which links Peterborough, Whittlesey, Ramsey and Upwood - as well as some other routes - will no longer operate.
People do rely on the bus
A petition to save the route has been launched by locals who say without it they will not be able to access work or other opportunities.
Heidi Alexander, The Secretary of State for Transport, said:
More power to local leaders to shape the bus network in their areas
"Some of the time these changes come out of nowhere so I am concerned to hear about that particular route and I do understand the importance of bus services for everyone."
"People do rely upon the bus if they haven't got a car to be able to get to work, to get their children to school, or to get to hospital or their GP."
"We're taking some new legislation through parliament called the bus services bill to give more power to local leaders to shape the bus network in their areas."
I do understand the importance of bus services for everyone
The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA) stepped in earlier this month to save a different bus service from being withdrawn – but five other services are still at risk.
Mayor Paul Bristow asked the CPCA board to approve funding for the March to Whittlesey section of service 33, which Stagecoach East planned to cease operating.
This would have meant that the villages of Eastrea and Coates risked being cut off from Peterborough, with no public transport alternative.
On their website Stagecoach said:
'We have been in discussion with the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA) about the updates since January, and hope that discussions can continue on how the routes can be best served.'
'These service changes are needed to keep the local bus network viable after the rise in National Insurance increased annual costs by £1m per year, putting the cost of provision up for those services already struggling to cover their cost of operation. Please find an overview of these changes below.'