Bus Services Covid-19 2020-09-17
2020-09-17
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the impact of the pandemic on local bus services and their role in connecting communities to employment.
What steps his Department is taking to support bus services during the covid-19 outbreak. The Government's commitment to supporting England's bus services is questioned, focusing on the specific measures being taken to aid public transport infrastructure affected by the pandemic.
The Government are committing £27.3 million per week to support England's bus services during the covid-19 outbreak.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the integration between different modes of transportation, particularly in connecting communities to employment opportunities. He mentions specific projects such as HS2 and Northern Powerhouse Rail and asks for a meeting with relevant Ministers.
Integration between all elements of public transport is critical. Will my hon. Friend bring the Minister of State, my hon. Friend the Member for Pendle (Andrew Stephenson), who has responsibility for HS2 and Northern Powerhouse Rail, to Sedgefield to better understand the local frustrations and needs? We need to see rail investment delivered in places like Ferryhill station, where my hon. Friends could meet the team at the inspirational Cornforth Partnership to understand the need for more and better buses, particularly to better connect places like Cornforth to employment centres.
My hon. Friend is absolutely right. The Government recognise the importance of multi-modal integration and connecting communities such as his to employment opportunities. That is why we have made £198 million available for the transforming cities fund, which will deliver improvements to bus services, cycling and walking in County Durham.
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Assessment & feedback
The question asked if a Minister would visit Sedgefield, but no commitment was given that this would happen.
Response accuracy