A campaign group in Herefordshire has started a petition to make Herefordshire’s buses fare-free.
A post on The Hereford Issue’s Facebook page says:
“The Hereford Issue is campaigning for a new, fare-free bus service across Herefordshire, to help reduce congestion on our roads and pollution in our atmosphere. Please sign the petition, and please share with friends.”
When questioned about where the funding would come from, the response from The Hereford Issue was:
“Money can be diverted from car park charges or with a small rise in council tax (small as in, if someone was to take the bus once or twice a month instead of driving then they’d probably be saving money).”
Hereford City Council announced plans for an free electric bus service in Hereford City Centre earlier this year:
Hereford City Council have bid for a project for free electric buses to link significant locations around the City, together with the Herefordshire Bus Users Forum.
The Railway Station, Hospital, the new Primary Health Centre at Station Approach and the city centre shops and tourist attractions will be linked as part of the Stronger Towns Fund bid to Government. The service will cross over the Old Bridge and stop in the car park by the swimming pool to support the ongoing development of the river as a tourist attraction and link with buses from the south of the city.
This is a long-term project, one of many being put forward as groups within the city push for up to £25m of funding to help support economic recovery and levelling up.
The independent Towns Fund board (called the #StrongerHereford board) is a blend of people from private, public and community sectors who all have Herefordshire in their heart. They are a mix of parents, students, educators, business owners, employers and employees, creatives and politicians, and Mayor Kath Hey is also among the board, representing the City.
The City Council hopes that the project will allow Hereford to continue to recover from the ongoing pandemic, and in the coming months and years ensure the City is better linked for residents and visitors alike.
For more information on the Towns Fund Board, visit: www.strongerhereford.co.uk
