Luke Pollard MP Labour & Co-op Member of Parliament for Plymouth Sutton & Devonport
New powers that will make a big difference across the south west. Under the Tories we lost thousands of bus routes. With Labour, we are taking back control of our buses for the benefit of all. https://t.co/sJI1ZqDcaU
— Luke Pollard MP (@LukePollard) September 9, 2024
A package of measures to empower local leaders to take control of their bus services has been unveiled by Labour’s Transport Secretary Louise Haigh this week – the first stop on the journey to better buses.
–
Legislation has been laid before Parliament which will give local authorities new powers to run their own bus services – powers previously limited to Mayoral Combined Authorities. The move means that local leaders across the country can deliver services in a way that suits the needs of their communities.
–
The Labour Government has also launched a consultation on new draft guidance to provide advice and support for local leaders looking to bring services into public control. This new, simplified guidance will help break down barriers to local control of bus services, speeding up the process and bringing down costs.
–
Buses remain the most used form of public transport across the country, but – after almost four decades of failed deregulation – vital services have been slashed and there is little accountability to passengers.
Luke Pollard, Member of Parliament for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport, said:
“For far too many people in Plymouth, it has become impossible to rely on local bus services. These new powers will make a huge difference across the South West.
“Under the Conservatives we lost thousands of bus routes. With Labour, we are taking back control of our buses for the benefit of all.”
