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More Objections ...
- The scheme is wrong for Bath. It is imposed from above, based on a crude "one size
fits all" model. It ignores local concerns and does not address the transport or environmental needs of Bath
residents. It is based on a narrow vision of Bath as a shopping and tourist destination - not a balanced vision
of Bath as a place to live a full life.
- The economic future of Bath does not rest on the provision of a dedicated bus route from
Newbridge P&R to the City Centre, as has been suggested by proponents of the route. This is hype. Bath would
not grind to a halt if this scheme was cancelled.
- The additional volumes of people the scheme will accommodate is insignificant relative
to the volumes of traffic moving in and around Bath on a daily basis. This a hugely costly and disruptive way of
achieving very limited potential benefits. The solution offered is not scaleable as the siting of the Newbridge
P&R means there is little scope for further expansion.
- Investing in a fleet of big, diesel vehicles is questionable in a context where fuel prices
are likely to stay high and will probably rise in the medium to long term.
- A 21st century vision would aim for zero on-street emissions. Cities around the world
have demonstrated that this is an achievable aspiration.
- The right public transport vehicle can become a positive icon for Bath. Large, flashy,
bendy buses do not fit and will not be loved by the people of Bath or visitors.
- The council has been drawn into the politics of funding. In pursuing central funding attached
to the trendy idea of Bus Rapid Transit schemes, the council is in danger of making mistakes which will cost the
people of Bath dearly in the long run.
- The Council are proposing to build a private road for a private bus company using taxpayers'
money.
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