Bus Service Funding Mayoral Strategic Authorities 2026-03-26
2026-03-26
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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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.
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?
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.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific conversations and prioritisation efforts to close gaps in provision were not detailed
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Following key improvements to the network across Greater Manchester, a consultation shows that an express bus service from Heywood and Middleton North constituency to Manchester city centre is still needed.
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 for buses?
My hon. Friend is a great champion for local transport. The Government confirmed more than £3 billion in long-term funding until 2028-29 at the spending review, including £133.5 million for Greater Manchester that can be used to expand services like the Bee Network.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific conversations to prioritise closing gaps and securing long-term funding were not addressed
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Part of Anna's constituency falls under the West of England mayoral combined authority, which oversees local bus services. Despite recent Government funding for improved bus transport across the authority, much of it is concentrated on getting people in and out of Bristol.
Should not the Government recognise the importance of investing in reliable rural transport networks to enable communities to grow and thrive if they are committed to driving economic growth?
Rural communities need access to good public transport, which is why we are exploring ways to better support rural bus services. There are five pilots looking at the possibilities of franchising in rural areas.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific plans for investment and recognition were not detailed
Response accuracy