Locals 'left struggling' to access transport after Coventry bus route axed

[dutchman]

Concerns have been raised about the loss of the what was the Everdon Road Bus Service in Holbrooks



Locals have been 'left struggling' to access public transport after a bus route in their community was axed. The route 5, Everdon Road Bus Service, in Holbrooks has seen a number of changes over the past few years.

It started with it being changed to run every 60 minutes through the estate in 2022. Later that same year, a replacement route (5B) was introduced, only to be removed in 2023. Then the original service started again, only for it to be cancelled again later that year.

The loss of the service has impacted the Holbrooks community according to Taiwo Owatemi, the MP for Coventry North West. "Concerns were raised during a local street surgery about the impact this has had on the Holbrooks community," she said.

"Many residents, particularly those with mobility issues, now face much longer walks to access public transport, with the nearest service operating from Holbrooks Lane."

She said that the loss of the bus route raises questions about the future of local transport services. But she says that plans to franchise bus services across the West Midlands could lead to a 'real opportunity' to improve services like Route 5.

In a bid to help those left struggling to access public transport, Ms Owatemi has urged residents to take part in a survey to highlight the importance of a bus route in the area.

"If you live in or near Everdon Estate and have been affected, please take a moment to complete my survey and help shape the future of local transport," she added.

The survey closes on Monday, August 4 and can be found online here