The Number 5 Bus, run by First Bus, is the only route through the Fishponds Oldbury Court Estate, Stapleton, St Werburghs and St Pauls.  The Number 5 connects these areas with the rest of the city and without a bus route many residents will be marooned.  

The service is a lifeline for people who live in these areas where there are few local shops, doctors surgeries, pharmacies, or other essential services. Without the Number 5 bus residents will not be able to access these services. This is especially true for older and Disabled people, and parents with young children living in each area, and others who cannot afford to own a car and are unable to cycle or walk. Isolation and a lack of access to services will have a negative impact on the health and wellbeing of people who rely on this bus service. 

Despite the community value of the service, the Number 5 bus is to be scrapped by First Bus as part of its bus re-organisation plans. This is at a time when Bristol Community Transport has stopped running Bristol's Dial-a-Ride service, and other minibus groups which were offering alternative transport to older or Disabled people.

We call on WECA Mayor Dan Norris and Managing Director at First Bus Doug Claringbold, to reconsider the disastrous decision to scrap the Number 5 bus service in Bristol; and to maintain this essential service for the communities which it serves. We demand urgent reassurance that a regular and convenient bus service will be maintained in these areas.