IN the Times of November 21 there was mention and surprise that no councillors have made comment relating to the bus changes and that we should be working on behalf of their constituents to reverse changes.

Devon County Council (DCC) does not control all bus services and does not give out subsidy for bus companies to use as they please.

Bus companies do not need DCC's permission regarding routes and timetables, providing most services as a commercial venture

FIRST Bus took the decision to route most buses through Bishopsmead, Horrabridge, Yelverton and Milehouse with Whitchurch and Derriford being served only at peak times.

DCC does subsidize Service 84, Tavistock to Derriford two hourly Monday to Friday.

Whitchurch accounted on average nine passengers per day on the former hourly First service.

Derriford attracts 35 passengers from all places on the route.

DCC will only subsidise services which wouldn't otherwise be provided and only if enough people use them.

The main service from Tavistock to Plymouth is subsidized late evenings and Sundays.

Whitchurch is still served by the number 89 which is funded through the Tiddybrook housing development.

Funding the National Bus Pass costs DCC about £10million per year and central government leaves DCC about £4million short.

Apart from minor discretionary features, such as the companion pass for certain people with disabilities, the entire scheme is statutory and can't be reduced in scope.

Tavistock Ring and Ride complements the bus network and caters for anyone unable to use buses. They do not have to be elderly or infirm, and TASS can assist with travel to individual health appointments.

Underused bus routes increase the vulnerability of maintaining more frequent services. Tavistock is a rural market town and unlike busy urban areas, buses are less frequent and potentially vulnerable to cuts if underused.

The bus operators have assessed the commercial viabilities of their bus routes and made changes.

Unfortunately the very people that use and really need the service are directly hit by any cuts actioned by the bus operators.

As a councillor I do not have the power to control all of the bus times nor do I have a wand to magically change the reality of cuts — I wish I had!

I can assure residents that DCC and I do lobby Westminster about rural issues such as isolation and poor transport and our MP, Geoffrey Cox takes a keen interest and has spoken in parliament highlighting difficulties which affect us.

Debo Sellis

Tavistock electoral area county councillor

Walkham ward West Devon borough councillor