Bus Services Isolated Communities 2021-06-24
2021-06-24
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Recent discussions on improving local transport infrastructure, specifically addressing the decline in bus routes and coverage since 2010.
What recent steps have been taken to increase local authority powers to deliver regular bus services to isolated communities? Since 2010, 134 million miles of bus routes have been lost, and bus coverage is at its lowest in 30 years. In villages like Pittington and Waterhouses, bus services are virtually non-existent.
The national bus strategy, drawing on £3 billion of transformational funding, sets out a vision for bus services across England. The Government supports local authorities through the rural mobility fund with 17 successful bids receiving £20 million in total. Additionally, £25 million is set aside to help build local authority capacity and every transport authority has received £100,000 for capacity support.
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Assessment & feedback
Whether the national bus strategy's bus service improvement plan will give local authorities enough power and resources to deliver regular services on routes that may not be commercially viable was not directly confirmed.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Concerns raised about the decline in local transport services, specifically highlighting villages like Pittington and Waterhouses with virtually non-existent bus services.
Since 2010, 134 million miles of bus routes have been lost, and bus coverage is at its lowest in 30 years. In villages such as Pittington and Waterhouses, bus services are virtually non-existent. Can the Minister confirm whether the national bus strategy's bus service improvement plan will give local authorities enough power and resources to deliver regular bus services to communities on routes that may not be commercially viable?
The Bus Back Better strategy aims for better, cleaner, safer and more reliable buses with simpler fares and ticketing. The Government is supporting local authorities through funding, setting aside £25 million to build capacity and capabilities, and every local transport authority has received £100,000 in capacity support.
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Assessment & feedback
Whether the bus service improvement plan will give local authorities enough power and resources for commercially non-viable routes was not directly confirmed.
Response accuracy