Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Local Bus Services

Thursday 13 February 2025 · 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 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Sam Rushworth raised concerns about the cost of transport affecting children and young people's access to education and opportunities in Bishop Auckland.
  • Michael Wheeler highlighted the issue of road congestion during rush hour and the benefits of the Greater Manchester Bee network, asking for steps to empower local decision makers.
  • Jade Botterill discussed the reliance on bus services for essential activities in her constituency and cited a specific case of a resident struggling to transport her daughter to after-school clubs.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Sam Rushworth Lab Bishop Auckland
Education Transport
Context

The MP highlights the high cost of transport for children and young people in his constituency, who rely on buses to access education, social activities, and leisure opportunities. He is concerned about the current system's ideological control over bus services.

Question

I am concerned that the cost of transport is a huge pressure for children and young people in my constituency trying to access education and social and leisure opportunities. What assurance can you give me that the buses Bill will end a system controlled by ideology, making it serve local needs?

Answer from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Simon Lightwood)

I thank my hon Friend for his question. The Government know how important local bus services are in providing access to education and allowing young people to get around. Empowering local leaders to improve services is at the heart of our reforms, including through the introduction of the Bus Services (No. 2) Bill, so that bus services deliver for hard-working families and communities throughout the country.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific concern about ideological control over bus systems was not directly addressed.

How: Emphasizing Empowerment Of Local Leaders

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Q2 Michael Wheeler Lab Worsley and Eccles
Transport
Context

The MP notes that high levels of congestion affect his constituents during rush hour, with incidents such as traffic lights or roadworks causing significant delays. He seeks support for creating joined-up public and private transport networks to alleviate these issues.

Question

My constituents face high levels of congestion on our roads, especially during rush-hour commute. We benefit from Greater Manchester’s Bee network but temporary disruptions can cause backups. What steps are being taken to give powers and encouragement to local communities and decision makers for joined-up public and private transport networks?

Answer from Simon Lightwood

My hon Friend is absolutely right to highlight this issue and will know that this Government are acting quickly to respond to his concerns. As outlined in the “English Devolution” White Paper, we will empower strategic authorities to play a greater role in co-ordinating their local road networks. That includes removing unnecessary Secretary of State consent requirements for certain local highway decisions, potentially including lane rental schemes, which will speed up decision making.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific steps to improve public and private transport integration were not detailed.

How: Emphasizing Empowerment Of Strategic Authorities

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Q3 Jade Botterill Lab Ossett and Denby Dale
Transport
Context

The MP mentions that many residents in her constituency rely on unreliable bus services to commute, attend school, or access healthcare. She cites a local resident's struggle to transport her daughter due to irregular bus schedules.

Question

Residents in my constituency rely on buses for work, school and hospital appointments but often face late or non-existent services. Last week I met Nicola from Emley who struggled with transporting her daughter Olivia to after-school clubs when she couldn't drive. How will this Government hold failing bus companies accountable and improve local services?

Answer from Simon Lightwood

My hon Friend is my constituency neighbour and I understand the challenges her constituents face. We know that local bus services are not currently delivering for people around the country. We are committed to changing that, and our bus services Bill will give local leaders the tools they need to deliver reliable bus services that truly meet the needs of local communities, including in rural areas.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specifics on holding companies accountable were not addressed.

How: Emphasizing Empowerment Of Local Leaders

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