Local bus operator, Stagecoach, have announced they will be making a number of changes to its timetable across the region.

From the start of the new financial year the Department for Transport is applying a 20% cut in the tax rebate known as Bus Service Operators Grant which effectively adds 39p to the cost of each gallon of diesel the company buys.

Stagecoach has been working hard to reduce their fuel consumption and maximise their efficiency as a business. However, this fuel cost increase will inevitably mean that fares will have to rise and some bus journeys, where there are few people traveling, will be withdrawn.

Bus services in Scunthorpe are operated within a Quality Bus Partnership with North Lincolnshire Council and discussions have been held about the amendments to the timetable and withdrawals with council officers.

The Changes take place from 2nd April and the company has apologised for the changes to the services and views it as a last resort but say they cannot sustain routes that become commercially unviable.

The affected services are;

No’s 33/34 from the town centre to Westcliff, Bottesford & Ashby which will see its day time service switching to an hourly service.

No’s 31/32 From the town centre to Westcliff, Ashby & Frodingham where minor timetable improvements have been made.

No 10 From the town centre to Frodingham & Ashby which will see the service include Westcliff & John Leggott College.

No 60 From Scunthorpe, Flixborough & Whitton will be operated by Hornsby from 16th April.

For full timetables see www.stagecoachbus.com