Context
Recent discussions on improving local transport infrastructure, specifically addressing the decline in bus routes and coverage since 2010.
Question
What recent steps have been taken to increase local authority powers to deliver regular bus services to isolated communities? Since 2010, 134 million miles of bus routes have been lost, and bus coverage is at its lowest in 30 years. In villages like Pittington and Waterhouses, bus services are virtually non-existent.
Answer from Rachel Maclean
The national bus strategy, drawing on £3 billion of transformational funding, sets out a vision for bus services across England. The Government supports local authorities through the rural mobility fund with 17 successful bids receiving £20 million in total. Additionally, £25 million is set aside to help build local authority capacity and every transport authority has received £100,000 for capacity support.
Not addressed: Whether the national bus strategy's bus service improvement plan will give local authorities enough power and resources to deliver regular services on routes that may not be commercially viable was not directly confirmed.
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