Regional Transport Inequality 2025-09-11

Emphasises the need for better technology support for buses to make transport more reliable. Mentions Newcastle’s lack of real-time bus information despite London's long-term availability, highlighting the disparity in technological distribution.

Supports Catherine Atkinson's call for electrification on the midland main line and highlights the benefits it would bring to regions like the east midlands.

Critiques the Labour Government’s approach, noting the negative impact on rural areas. He points out disparities in connectivity between London and his constituency, advocating for better bus services and accessibility. He mentions local improvements but also highlights remaining gaps.

Mr Stafford highlighted issues with local train stations, unreliable and fragmented rail services, and inadequate funding for rural communities. He criticised the government's focus on metropolitan areas at the expense of rural constituencies.

Mrs Blundell thanked her hon. Friend for securing the debate and emphasised the importance of high-quality public transport in enabling communities to progress. She praised Greater Manchester's pioneering transport network and the government’s efforts towards devolution.

Mr Jogee supported his hon. Friend's calls for improved connectivity, specifically advocating for a direct train line from Stoke-on-Trent station to Manchester airport.

Mr Wrigley highlighted deep inequalities in transport spending across the UK, particularly focusing on the south-west region. He drew attention to accessibility issues and the need for fairer funding and proper infrastructure improvements.

Mr Maguire joined his hon. Friend in calling for urgent upgrades to station accessibility, citing Bodmin Parkway station as an example of severe challenges faced by disabled passengers.

Dr Sullivan expressed gratitude towards her hon. Friend for bringing forward the debate and acknowledged the passionate discussion on transport inequalities.

The hon. Member expressed sympathy towards constituents relying on unregulated ferries, contrasting it with the situation in Gravesham where local government has more control over ferry services. He urged reflection on the role of Government in ensuring fair access to all modes of transport.

Although not explicitly named as a speaker, Dr Sullivan (mistaken reference possibly meant for another speaker) emphasised the importance of ferries and supported the idea that local communities should have control over transport services to ensure they meet people's needs.

The hon. Member spoke about the need for better rail connectivity in Wiltshire, highlighting the challenges faced by small towns like Devizes and Melksham which are distant from major railway lines despite being at their geographical heart. He supported proposals such as the building of Devizes Gateway station and the Bath and Wiltshire metro proposal to improve local services.

The hon. Member focused on transport issues in rural South Norfolk, including road safety concerns, bus service inadequacies for disabled residents, and the need for accessibility upgrades at Wymondham train station to ensure fair access to public transportation.

The hon. Member highlighted the historical importance of railways in Wales, noting a significant funding disparity between Welsh and other UK rail networks over recent years. She emphasised how inadequate public transport infrastructure affects post-industrial and rural communities negatively.

Welsh regions face deep-rooted funding disparities and underinvestment in rail infrastructure. Calls for reforming the way Welsh rail is funded, devolving powers over heavy rail to Wales, and addressing historical underfunding of the Welsh network.

Complains about chronic underinvestment in transport and the flawed legacy of privatisation. Discusses issues with LNER timetable cuts, unreliable buses, workforce challenges, and calls for the Bus Services (No. 2) Bill to be used to improve bus services through franchising, fair pay, and investment in modern vehicles.

Comments on a constituent's issue with accessibility on buses for disabled travellers. Supports the need for improved accessibility and better bus services.

Highlights the ongoing struggle with rail infrastructure in Devon, discussing delays due to hot weather, reduced service frequencies, single-track lines causing back-ups. Proposes solutions such as increasing rail capacity through dual-tracking between Axminster and Exeter.

Supports Richard Foord's proposal for dualling the line, citing similar benefits in his constituency. Emphasises affordability and growth opportunities through such investments.

Stresses that transport is crucial for enabling progress and access to essential services but has left many towns and cities disconnected due to regional disparities in infrastructure investment. Highlights the need for more equitable distribution of funding.

Transport infrastructure is inefficient, limiting access to opportunity. Leigh ranks in the top 1% nationally for transport-related social exclusion; over 40,000 people face a high risk of exclusion due to poor transport. People are trapped in cycles of poverty and missed opportunities. The Bee Network's £30 million investment in safer, cleaner transport is vital but more needs to be done.

Transport infrastructure funding for the east midlands has been inadequate; spending was just 54% of the UK average in 2023-24, the lowest among any region. Vital bus services have disappeared, and people are frustrated with delays and lost opportunities. The Labour Government is working to turn this around with £2 billion secured for transport infrastructure improvements.

Austerity and covid have entrench regional transport inequalities, particularly in coastal communities at the end of the line. The No. 9 bus between Ramsgate and Canterbury has been cut, limiting opportunities for residents. Eurostar’s expansion plans do not include restoring international rail services to Kent, which would improve economic growth by £2.4 billion over five years.

The cross-city line is the busiest commuter train line outside of London but saw service cut from four trains an hour to two during the pandemic and has not returned. The midland rail hub project will improve capacity at New Street, allowing more trains on the city line and benefiting 50 stations across regions.

Hayes highlighted the transport inequality faced by younger people, disabled individuals, those on low incomes, and older residents. He discussed the need for better bus services in Bournemouth, including the restoration of bus routes such as No. 33 and the Throop route, along with more frequent airport connections. He also mentioned the importance of a stronger electric vehicle charging infrastructure and called for an accessible Pokesdown station and faster trains to London. Additionally, Hayes raised concerns about driving test accessibility in his constituency.

Joseph addressed the perception that Kent is prosperous due to its proximity to London but highlighted significant transport inequalities within his constituency of Ashford. He criticised Eurostar’s decision to stop international rail services at Ashford International and called for a commitment from new operators to return such services to Ashford. Joseph also pointed out poor bus service conditions in villages like Hawkinge, impacting disabled individuals, elderly residents, and those without access to cars.

Thompson discussed the historical importance of railways for his constituency of Erewash, particularly highlighting issues with current services. He mentioned that Ilkeston, which had no train station for 50 years until its reopening in 2017, still lacks frequent commuter-friendly services and direct links to Derby. Thompson advocated for restoring passenger services on the Maid Marian line and discussed accessibility problems at Long Eaton’s train station.

Mayer supported the Government's devolution agenda as a means to improve transport, emphasising the importance of creating ambitious mayors for areas that currently lack them. He also welcomed the £2.5 billion commitment to East West Rail and called for further integration between highways and public transport authorities. Mayer questioned whether Network Rail’s current regional structure is suitable for Great British Railways.

Agrees with the lead MP's points on regional transport inequality. Welcomes the £2 billion investment in east midlands transport but stresses the need for consistent and comprehensive planning reform, empowered local government, and changes to Treasury rules.

Describes challenges faced by Cornwall due to poor rail connectivity, especially during winter storms. Highlights the need for phase 5 investment in line resilience and calls for electrification of the main line. Mentions increased bus patronage following devolution deal but notes ongoing funding issues.

Illustrates accessibility issues at Rugeley Trent Valley railway station, emphasising that many constituents are barred from using the station due to its design. Calls for increased investment in bus services and support for the Bus Services (No. 2) Bill.

Discusses economic growth challenges in Scarborough due to limited rail connectivity, proposing a twice-hourly train service from Scarborough to York. Calls for more local transport grant funding and the training of additional drivers.

Reiterates that regional transport inequality is particularly evident in the east midlands, where per capita transport spend has fallen to 54% of the UK average. Calls for increased funding and better rail infrastructure.

Highlights issues affecting remote coastal areas in Cornwall, noting geographical challenges such as dispersed population and limited transport infrastructure. Calls for fair funding review updates to reflect regional complexities and funding needs.

Expresses concern over the state of rural roads in Cheshire East, emphasising safety issues and the importance of gritting during winter months. Criticises chronic underfunding for road maintenance and urges additional funding for significant safety upgrades.

Notes historical funding disparities affecting Midlands regions, advocating for improvements in public transport accountability and infrastructure investment. Highlights specific issues such as the Birmingham private finance initiative contract and bus route changes impacting local communities.

Mayhew acknowledges the debate's importance but criticises the Government’s record on roads, noting that RIS3, Labour’s opportunity to outshine them, has been marked by the killing of key enhancements. He points out cancelled projects like the A12 improvements and highlights how regional inequalities are exacerbated by such decisions. Mayhew emphasises the need for action rather than further targets or consultations.

Rosindell supports the Transport for London (Extension of Concessions) Bill, aiming to extend concessionary fare schemes beyond Greater London. He argues that TfL should enable any local authority served by a TfL route or scheme to opt into the freedom pass.

Goldsborough questions Mayhew's claim about the A47 improvements, noting that £200 million is being spent on Thickthorn junction but criticises Norfolk County Council for wasting money.

Turner challenges Mayhew’s criticism of train drivers by referencing a previous Rail Minister's statement, suggesting that demonising workers is unfair and disrespectful.

The shadow minister argues that nationalisation of railways is not about unifying track and train, reducing fares, increasing efficiency, or saving money. He questions the government's motives behind nationalisation and highlights that under privatisation passenger ridership doubled due to incentivised companies chasing ridership. The South Western Railway overspent £250 million on infrastructure with rolling stock leasing companies due to government incompetence. Unions like ASLEF have received a 15% pay rise, and the RMT is striking. Passengers are disappointed in Labour's failure to address regional inequality.

The MP advocates for specific schemes in his local area but does not provide detailed statistics or evidence.

The hon. Member for Farnham and Bordon contributed to the debate, though his specific position and statistics were not detailed in the provided transcript.

The hon. Member for Broadland and Fakenham raised criticisms of the Government's transport policies and funding allocations, particularly focusing on road investment strategies and comparing them to previous government commitments.