South Wales Evening Post - 25 October 2006
Swansea's new bendy bus system is doomed to lose money, political opponents of the scheme have claimed.
Council Labour group leader David Phillips has accused the ruling Lib-Dem administration of being obsessed with introducing the new Metro buses at any cost.
He insisted a similar idea had been rejected by the previous Labour-run council amid fears it would never get the money back.
But his claims have been dismissed by council bosses who insist the project will be a success.
Councillor Phillips said: "The idea of having a tram system was something the previous Labour administration looked at. But the sheer economics of the whole thing meant it wouldn't work.
"We could never hope to make it stand up.
"Now a massive amount of money is being spent on this new scheme but it will be of very limited value.
"The whole idea is to shave eight minutes off the journey time from Morriston to the city centre."The aim is to take it into the city centre, on to County Hall and on again to Mumbles.
"There are continuing rumours that it won't be able to turn round in Morriston or Mumbles and that it can't get into County Hall or the Quadrant bus station.
"In any event, it will only benefit those living directly on that route.
"I think the whole thing is a folly.
"There's no value for money in it. The money would be better spent improving bus services right across Swansea.
"This is all about satisfying the Lib-Dems' passion for trams.
"Yet in London, bendy buses are being withdrawn because of the havoc they cause to traffic."
Infrastructure work is underway as part of the £10 million plan to introduce a bendy bus system to the city.
The Kingsway is currently being transformed with two special bus lanes being laid down.
The fleet of ten 18.7-metre bendy buses is expected to be operating by 2008.
The council has dismissed rumours of problems with the scheme.
Councillor John Hague, cabinet member for environment, said: "Councillor Phillips has no idea what he is talking about."The facts are quite clear. The feasibility work for the Metro was undertaken with international consultants Ove Arup. First Group staff were also involved. They tell us the route from Morriston to Mumbles is the best StreetCar route in the UK.
"Access to County Hall will be straightforward. StreetCar has already visited it twice on test and the planned improvements to access will make it even easier, especially for wheelchair users.
"Councilllor Phillips is irresponsible to claim the StreetCar will not be able to turn at Morriston or Mumbles. It will."
Your Views
Some clown obviously thinks that the bendy bus will replace the Mumbles Train. But that vehicle didnt have to turn around, did it? Time that the cabinet were given a non-return ticket home.
Jimmy D, Mumbles
No-one asked us if we wanted this bus or if we were happy to see Swansea city centre ripped up to smooth out the bends. Why isnt all this money being spent to build a bus terminus alongside High street station. What a shower!
andrew powell, Swansea
I agree that something needs to be done to tackle congestion but these buses are not the answer. Swansea Council is wasting public money on an expensive gimmick.
Yvonne, Swansea
Our bus service was taken away nearly a year ago leaving families stranded in their communities. What possible use or value is this bendy-bus going to be to us?
Geraldine Evans, Birchgrove
Consultants will tell you anything you wnat to hear as long as you pay them enough. They probably told Mr Hague that dumping the Slip Bridge on the seafront was a good idea too.
Jason Davies, Swansea
The whole scheme is doomed to become an expensive disaster. We need smaller, more regular buses serving all our communities. Not these hulking great things which need millions spent to 'imporve' perfectly good streets. The council have been conned.
Keith, Morriston
Where on earth is this monstrosity of a bus going to turn around in Mumbles?
Leslie, Mumbles
