Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Local Bus Services

Thursday 16 May 2024 · 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 1 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Government have provided over 4.5 billion to support and improve bus services since March 2020.
  • Leicestershire County Council received over 3.5 million in emergency recovery funding to help maintain services during and after covid.
  • Rob Butler raised concerns about Arriva's proposals to close its depot in Aylesbury, which would end the majority of its services in the area.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Andrew Bridgen Con
Transport
Context

The MP is concerned about the steps being taken to support local bus services, highlighting the financial challenges faced by councils and operators.

Question

What steps he is taking to support local bus services. The Government have provided over £4.5 billion to support and improve bus services since March 2020. Leicestershire County Council received over £3.5 million in emergency recovery funding to help maintain services during and after covid, and has recently been awarded up to £7.6 million to deliver its bus service improvement plan.

Answer from Guy Opperman

The Government have provided over £4.5 billion to support and improve bus services since March 2020. Leicestershire County Council received over £3.5 million in emergency recovery funding to help maintain services during and after covid, and has recently been awarded up to £7.6 million to deliver its bus service improvement plan.

Answered
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Q2 Andrew Bridgen Con
Transport Democracy & Elections
Context

The MP is concerned about the lack of action following a petition signed by 1,200 constituents demanding the reinstatement of three bus routes. Despite a well-run campaign, no movement from Arriva or the local council.

Question

As the House will know, the word democracy comes from the Greek “demos”, meaning the people, and “kratos”, meaning power—power to the people. Well, the 1,200 people in North West Leicestershire who signed a petition for the reinstatement of the numbers 16, 29 and 29A bus services on their original routes are not feeling very empowered. Despite a very well run campaign, there is no movement from Arriva or Leicestershire County Council. What can the Minister do to help my constituents?

Answer from Guy Opperman

Where commercial operators want to change a service, as I understand happened in this community, they have to work with the local authority to replace services where possible and limit disruption. I would point out to the hon. Gentleman that Leicestershire County Council has also received over £1 million from the rural mobility fund to trial demand-responsive services, and I encourage him to meet it.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not provide specific action to help reinstate the bus routes but mentioned existing funds and encouraged a meeting with the council.

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Q3 Rob Butler
Transport
Context

The MP is concerned about Arriva's plans to close its depot in Aylesbury, which would lead to the majority of services being ended. This poses a significant issue for residents who rely on these buses.

Question

My constituents and I are extremely concerned about Arriva's sudden proposals to close its depot in Aylesbury, with no warning that it was even being considered. The company admitted that it would mean ending the vast majority of its services in our area, causing huge problems for those who rely on its buses to get to school, work and hospital. I have demanded an urgent meeting with its senior management, but what can the Department do to help hold Arriva to account and ensure Aylesbury residents have the bus services they need and deserve?

Answer from Guy Opperman

I am aware of this problem, which has recently come to light. I would certainly encourage a meeting between the local authority, the bus company and my hon. Friend, and I will assist him in any way in that respect. I am aware that some local operators, in the form of Carousel Buses and the Oxford Bus Company, are running some of the services, but I accept that there is an issue in Aylesbury and I will help him on an ongoing basis.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister acknowledged the issue and offered assistance for a meeting without providing specific actions to hold Arriva accountable or ensure service continuity.

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