Covid-19 Transport in Newcastle 2020-10-22
2020-10-22
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the effect of the pandemic on public transportation in her constituency.
What assessment he has made of the effect of the covid-19 outbreak on transport in Newcastle; and what support he is providing to public transport operators in that city.
The Department is in regular contact with Nexus and Transport North East and has a number of schemes in place to support transport operators at this difficult time.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific assessment or details about the support schemes for Newcastle's transport sector.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP highlights that constituents, especially those on low or insecure pay, are still facing high bus fares despite the ongoing pandemic.
Many of my constituents, particularly those on low and insecure pay, cannot work from home and are still taking the bus to work, so are still paying significantly more to go a few bus stops across Newcastle than it would to cross the whole of London. The Government talk about levelling up. When is he going to level down bus fares?
We are putting huge resources into supporting the bus sector at this time. On 8 August, we announced additional funding of £27.3 million per week to support the bus sector. We are developing a bus strategy and I am sure that fares and the fairness of fares across the country will be part of that strategy.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to when or how high bus fares in Newcastle would be addressed specifically.
Response accuracy