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Blackpool Transport to axe 60 jobs
BUS chiefs have confirmed 60 drivers will lose their jobs and services will be cut as they attempt to claw back lost revenue.
Blackpool Transport announced jobs could be cut in October as it tried to fill a 1.3m black hole in its finances.
Following the end of a consultation, the company has now formally announced which services will be reduced.
The changes, which come into force on February 1, mainly see the frequency of early buses before 8am either cut back to half hourly intervals or withdrawn completely.
Some evening services after 7pm are also affected while others will be reduced to a half hourly routes after 5pm.
The concessionary fares scheme has been partly blamed for the losses because bus operators are only receiving around 50p in the pound for reimbursing free travel for pensioners.
In Blackpool, roadworks have been blamed for losses of up to 400,000.
The cutbacks are going ahead despite the Government proposing to prop up the concessionary fares scheme by allocating an additional 1.3m in funding to the three Fylde coast authorities in 2010/11.
Blackpool Transport managing director Trevor Roberts said financial pressure had "seriously affected the company's finances".
He added: "Any improvement in future funding to the company as a result of the Government consultation or to the current outstanding claims would be considered as and when any specific information is tabled.
"Unfortunately there will be a reduction in our bus driver requirements of some 60 drivers and we are hoping through negotiations with the trade union this will mainly be voluntary redundancies."
Union leaders are still hoping the final number of jobs lost will be lower and are meeting with Mr Roberts today.
Ray Kirton, chairman of Unite's passenger branch at Blackpool Transport, said: "I'm hoping 60 is a vast exaggeration of the numbers who would be leaving."
Coun Ivan Taylor, Labour group leader on Blackpool Council, said Blackpool Transport should have postponed the cuts in the wake of the proposed new Government funding.
He added: "It is highly controversial and shows scant regard for their employees or the travelling public.
"I agree they have to work in a commercial way but to do this now when they know there is new money coming in and negotiations are under way with a view to a new deal is capricious."
And passengers are furious with the cuts.
Barbara Thomas, of Blackpool Senior Voice, said: "If they start suspending services people will have to wait longer and it's not very nice when it's wet and cold.
"You can wait 20 minutes for a bus and when it arrives, it is full."
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Friday 25 May 2012
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