Local Bus Services 2026-03-26
2026-03-26
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP has concerns over the recent assessment of bus services in her constituency, citing specific statistics and incidents affecting local residents.
I am concerned about the adequacy of bus services. Can you provide a recent assessment?
Bus services are vital and we have confirmed over £3 billion for buses over the next three years, including providing multi-year funding to local authorities. Our Bus Services Act 2025 gives local leaders tools to ensure services meet local needs.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide a recent assessment of bus service adequacy as requested
We Are Committed To Improving
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Residents in Beeston Rylands have contacted the MP about infrequent and unreliable buses, particularly affecting elderly residents. The MP seeks information on government collaboration with regional mayors.
Residents in Beeston Rylands face issues with infrequency and unreliability of bus services. Will the Minister outline how the Government are working with regional mayors to bolster such areas?
We are committed to working with local leaders and providing £65 million to the East Midlands combined county authority between now and 2028-29. Mayor Claire Ward is happy to work with my hon. Friend to plan bus networks that meet local needs, including in Beeston Rylands.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not outline specific steps or commitments beyond stating commitment and provision of funding
We Are Committed To Working With
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP questions the steps taken by the Department to hold bus operators accountable when service reductions negatively impact communities, citing a specific example in South Oxhey.
South Oxhey saw a reduction from three buses per hour to an hourly 328 service with two-hour gaps. The Minister stated that local authorities have tools and funding under the Bus Services Act 2025 to manage services. What steps will the Department take to hold operators accountable?
Local authorities have both funding and tools to decide what works locally, including bus enhanced partnerships or franchising. Hertfordshire is piloting rural area appropriate franchising.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific steps taken by the Department for accountability beyond stating local authority options
It Is For Local Authorities
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP raises concerns over delayed tendering due to lack of criteria and rising costs affecting service provision, especially in rural areas. The MP asks for a meeting to discuss support.
Local authorities delayed tendering due to lack of Government criteria for funding use. Market information suggests increased costs impacting services. Will the Secretary meet to discuss Government support?
Officials are in contact with operators to understand impacts of increased fuel costs due to the middle east crisis. My hon. Friend will consider this issue further and is happy to hear from her.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide a direct commitment or plan for meeting, only indicated willingness to hear concerns
My Officials Are In Contact
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is ambitious to see modal shifts but faces affordability issues. The mayor has a generous transport budget, but only 6% can be spent on revenue.
York aims for modal shifts out of cars and onto buses but faces an affordability problem with the current allocation in the Mayor's transport budget. Will the Minister consider transferring capital funding into revenue?
We work closely with all local mayors, including the Mayor of York and North Yorkshire. My hon. Friend had a meeting with him yesterday, and we would be happy to work on how we can better support bus services in that area.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide details or commitments regarding transferring capital funding into revenue
We Would Be Happy
Response accuracy