Affordable Bus Travel North-east England 2021-12-16
2021-12-16
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the disparity between lower average earnings in her constituency and higher costs for bus journeys compared to London. She also mentions previous refusals by the Secretary of State to confirm funding for various transport projects.
Despite having lower average earnings, my constituents pay much more for their bus journey than Londoners. Yet the Secretary of State refuses to confirm funding for our bus service improvement plan or to confirm funding for the Metro throughout the covid crisis, which means there is less money for our buses, which he also will not support during the covid crisis.
We are working with Transport North East as it develops its business case under the zero emission bus regional area scheme to introduce 73 electric buses and the necessary charging infrastructure. It will submit its final business case at the end of January.
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Assessment & feedback
The funding for the bus service improvement plan, support during the covid crisis, and other transport projects mentioned by the MP were not addressed.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP raises concerns about the lack of funding for various transport initiatives, including the reopening of the Leamside line, the HS2 eastern leg abandonment, and Northern Rail Powerhouse promises not being fulfilled.
We have had our application to reopen the Leamside line refused. We have had the HS2 eastern leg abandoned, which means there is no hope of getting high-speed trains in Newcastle. We have had the manifesto promises on the Northern Rail Powerhouse refused and they will not even help to paint the Tyne bridge for its 100th birthday. Why are the Government such a scrooge for north-east transport?
We are working with Transport North East as it develops its business case under the zero emission bus regional area scheme to introduce 73 electric buses and the necessary charging infrastructure. It will submit its final business case at the end of January.
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Assessment & feedback
The MP's questions about specific transport projects like the Leamside line, HS2 eastern leg abandonment, Northern Rail Powerhouse promises, and other initiatives were not addressed.
Changing Subject To Electric Buses
Response accuracy