Context
The question arises from the concern over the lack of funding and express bus service between Heywood and Middleton North constituency and Manchester city centre. Since Elsie Blundell's election, she has campaigned for an express bus service which is still lacking despite improvements to the network across Greater Manchester.
Question
What recent discussions has Lilian Greenwood had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on funding for bus services in mayoral strategic authorities? Following key improvements to the network across Greater Manchester, a consultation shows that we still need an express bus service from my constituency to Manchester city centre. What conversations are taking place between the Department for Transport, the Treasury and our transport authorities specifically to prioritise closing gaps in bus provision and ensure sustained long-term funding?
Answer from Lilian Greenwood
This Government believe in better buses across the UK, providing more than £1.4 billion for local authority bus grant resource funding. Mayoral strategic authorities will receive over £11.5 billion up to 2030 for transport services and infrastructure improvement, including £1.6 billion for Greater Manchester. The Department supports improved bus services with confirmed long-term funding of more than £3 billion until 2028-29, which includes £133.5 million for Greater Manchester.
Not addressed: Specific conversations and prioritisation efforts to close gaps in provision were not detailed
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