Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The government has provided over £2 billion since March 2020 to protect vital bus services, which will continue until June 2023. However, bus usage remains at around 85% to 90% of pre-COVID levels.
What steps are being taken to support local bus services, given that many routes are no longer commercially viable despite being vital for communities?
The Government have provided over £2 billion since March 2020 to protect vital bus services, with that support set to continue until June 2023. Bus service provision in England outside London remained at over 85% of pre-COVID levels in 2021-22 despite lower patronage and commercial fare revenue. We are actively working on long-term plans to support the sector from July onwards.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about further subsidising bus routes was not directly addressed with a commitment or timeline.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The No. 45 bus route in Yew Tree and Tame Bridge is vital for residents but only secure until June, with support from the Government amounting to £1.8 billion since March 2020.
Does my hon. Friend agree that communities like mine in Yew Tree and Tame Bridge cannot be left without a long-term secure bus route?
I thank my hon. Friend for her work on this matter. The Government have provided significant help to support our bus sector, with over £1.8 billion in 2021-22 alone and over £7.3 million since March 2020 to West Midlands Combined Authority to protect bus services. We are also considering further support for the sector from July onwards.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about long-term secure funding was not directly addressed with a commitment or timeline.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Bus usage remains around 85% to 90% of pre-COVID levels, with many routes considered commercially non-viable despite being vital for communities. The No. 2 bus route in Loughborough is at risk.
Will the Minister please consider further subsidising bus routes to ensure reliable services and help attract passengers back?
I thank my hon. Friend for her question. Prior to the pandemic, roughly 40% of operator revenues came from public funds; now it is around 57%. It is right that councils decide which bus routes they want to support, but I hope with extra moneys provided over the past two years and hopefully into the future, we will provide a long-term solution for these communities.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about additional subsidies was not directly addressed with a commitment or timeline.
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
Residents in Sheffield face challenges with bus services, including potential non-arrivals. The sector has faced major challenges over the past two years.
How would he go about persuading residents that their bus services are as good now as when the Conservatives came to power?
The bus sector has faced major challenges, including around driver shortages. We are looking at concessionary fare travel, which is up to two-thirds of where it was pre-pandemic. This Government have provided six months of support with a £2 fare cap to encourage people back on the bus network.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about persuading residents was not directly addressed with a commitment or timeline.
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The Scottish Government supports more than 50 million free bus journeys for under-22s, encouraging a shift away from cars to public transport in the next generation.
Will the Minister consider replicating this successful Scottish policy in England?
UK Government money is providing £1 fare cap for under-22s in the north-east and a £2 fare cap in combined authorities like Greater Manchester. On free bus travel, it is about getting the balance right; we want a service that is respected by people when they use it.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about replicating Scottish policy was not directly addressed with a commitment or timeline.
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
The cross-party Transport Committee found the Government unlikely to meet their target on zero-emission buses, and disappointed that guidance on franchising and socially necessary services has not been published.
What is the Government's plan for the long-term future of the bus sector?
Through the city regional sustainable transport settlement, this Government have provided billions of pounds of long-term funding for greater Manchester, West Yorkshire and other combined authorities right across the country.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about providing a clear strategy was not directly addressed with a commitment or timeline.
Response accuracy