Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Bus Services

Thursday 19 May 2022 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Government has provided substantial support for buses since 2010, with annual funding 15 percent higher in real terms than under the previous Labour government.
  • Buses Minister, Baroness Vere, is willing to meet to discuss concerns about bus cuts and consider franchising in Stoke-on-Trent.
  • Government is willing to look into allegations of UK taxpayers' money being awarded to a bus company linked to President Putin.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Wera Hobhouse Lib Dem Bath
Transport
Context

The local bus company in Bath is struggling, with several routes having been cut.

Question

My constituents are concerned about the cuts to numerous bus routes. With a need for alternatives to car travel, when can they expect these services to return to pre-pandemic levels?

Answer from Andrew Stephenson

The Government has provided substantial support for buses since 2010, with annual funding 15% higher in real terms than under the previous Labour government. The current government continues to invest in bus services across England.

Partly answered

Not addressed: When will constituents see their bus services restored to pre-pandemic levels?

How: We Have Provided Huge Support For Bus Services, I Would Like To Remind The Hon. Lady That Since The Conservatives Came To Power In 2010 Annual Support For Buses Has Been 15% Higher

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Q2 Wera Hobhouse Lib Dem Bath
Transport
Context

The city of Stoke-on-Trent received £31.7 million from the government to improve bus services, but First Bus is still cutting routes.

Question

Despite receiving significant investment from the Government, why does First Bus continue to cut services? Will the Minister meet me to discuss this issue and consider franchising in Stoke-on-Trent?

Answer from Andrew Stephenson

My hon. Friend makes powerful points for his constituency. The Buses Minister, my noble Friend Baroness Vere, would be happy to meet him.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Will the Minister meet me to talk about First Bus's service cuts and consider franchising in the city?

How: My Hon. Friend Continues To Make Powerful Points On Behalf Of His Constituency

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Q3 Jonathan Gullis
Ukraine Transport Foreign Affairs
Context

Labour party research revealed that a bus company run by someone connected to the Russian government received £15 million in ZEBRA funding from the UK Government.

Question

Despite sanctions against Russia due to the war in Ukraine, why is UK taxpayers' money being awarded to a bus company linked to President Putin? This raises concerns about the integrity of the 'Bus Back Better' initiative.

Answer from Andrew Stephenson

We are more than happy to raise that issue with the Buses Minister. We will look into the details of the allegation, but at a time when public transport users face strikes, the shadow Minister should reflect on his party's record.

Not addressed: Why is millions of pounds of UK taxpayers' money being handed to one of Putin's nomenklatura?

How: Dear Oh Dear, I Am More Than Happy To Raise That Issue With My Noble Friend The Buses Minister

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