Newsletter 1 – Epping Forest Transport Action Group

Campaigning for better public transport and safer streets in Epping Forest

View this email in your browser

Dear <<Comms name>>,

Welcome to the first issue of the Epping Forest Transport Action Group (EFTAG) newsletter. We’re sorry that it’s taken longer to get out than we anticipated – we’ve had a busy couple of weeks!

First Meeting

Our first organising meeting will be on Wednesday 14th September, 7.30pm in Loughton. The meeting’s open to anybody who wants to get involved. The more people and local groups who are involved the more representative we can be.

We’ll confirm the venue when we know how many people are interested in attending.

Eventbrite - Epping Forest Transport Action Group Organising meeting

EFTAG News

We’ve emailed Cllr Eddie Johnson, Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, about the recently announced cuts to bus services and fare increases: read it here.

Public Transport and Employment in Epping Forest survey

Initial results from our survey show that inadequate public transport is affecting employment in Epping Forest, with nearly a quarter of respondents saying that it’s caused them to turn down or leave a job in the last 12 months.

We need a lot more responses for the survey to be useful so can you help spread the word? Please share this piece about the survey: employment survey 2016 news item.

Flyers promoting the survey will be available from next week. Can you help distribute some? Please get in touch if you can.

Bus Services Bill

The Bus Services Bill 2016 is currently in the House of Lords for debate before heading to the House of Commons.

The bill is mostly very good, allowing local authorities to, among other things:

Set fares
Set timetables and service levels
Ensure that tickets are transferable across operators

However, Clause 21 of the bill would prohibit local authorities from setting up their own bus companies, despite the better services and, crucially, reduced taxpayer subsidies that they allow.

Read more about the bill and how you can challenge Clause 21 here: Bus Services Bill 2016

Thanks to Waltham Abbey Residents Association for officially endorsing us. Thanks also to Buckhurst Hill Residents Association and Buckhurst Hill Community Association for getting involved.

If you’re a member and/or representative of a community group their endorsement could really help us. All you need to do is raise it at your next members or committee meeting. We can send a speaker along to give more information about the campaign if you like.