New EU legislation threatens community bus

Credit: ITV News Anglia

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A bus service that's been providing essential transport to those in rural Essex for more than 35 years says it may struggle to survive because of new EU legislation.

The Coggeshall Community Bus takes people to nearby stations and amenieties. But new laws mean its volunteer drivers will soon need professional training.

Those running the not-for-profit service say THAT would not only be costly but is likely to mean fewer volunteers come forward

A statement from the Department of Transport said

"Some community transport operators may need to ensure they and their drivers have professional licences, especially if they compete for commercial contracts. We are currently consulting on how community transport has evolved and how organisations can be helped in the future"

Passenger numbers are growing-partly down to a fare of just £1 Credit: ITV News Anglia

The hope in Coggeshall is that the services would secure an exemption because they aren't commercially viable.

Particularly those taking older people in the town to the supermarket and doctors surgery.