When Brijan collapsed, it wasn’t just a bus company that disappeared—it was a lifeline. My wife Marie and I, like many in Eastleigh, relied on those services to stay independent, connected, and engaged. The aftermath was chaos: missed medical appointments, long walks in unsafe conditions, and a growing sense of isolation.
Now, with Stagecoach withdrawing Route 61 and Hampshire County Council citing “funding pressures”, despite the Labour Government investing an extra £14 million in Hampshire bus services, we’re being asked to accept a narrative that prioritises budgets over people. But public transport is not a luxury—it’s a blood line. It sustains social wellbeing, economic participation, and basic dignity.
The decision to cut Route 61 ignores the lived reality of older residents, disabled passengers, and those without cars. It also undermines climate goals and community cohesion. We need a transport policy rooted in fairness, not just feasibility.
Labour must champion this cause—not just for Eastleigh, but as a national principle. Public transport should be publicly accountable. Let’s restore Route 61 and reaffirm our commitment to inclusive, sustainable mobility.
Ted White– Local community campaigner