Bus Services: North-east England

The hon. Member criticised the Conservative government for slashing funding for council services that provide vital bus services in Middlesbrough and Tees Valley, leading to higher fares and less reliable services compared to London's regulated system. He highlighted that £900 million is lost due to the lack of EU shared prosperity fund support, resulting in lower transport investment per head than other regions. The hon. Member urged the Minister to encourage the re-regulation of buses for passengers' benefit rather than private profit.

My constituents in the outer west of Newcastle lack access to good public transport, with bus journeys taking an hour compared to a 15-minute drive. She questioned whether the Government should fund better public transport if they encourage people to return to offices. My hon. Friend expressed frustration over noisy and pollution-emitting buses running around the streets, advocating for urgent investment into cleaner, greener buses to mitigate environmental impact in busy cities.

The MP highlighted the disparity in bus ticket costs between Newcastle and London, with a £1.55 ticket in London covering up to 30 miles whereas in Newcastle it barely covers three stops. The MP also raised concerns about the lack of real-time travel information at Eldon Square bus station, making bus journeys less accessible and usable for constituents. Furthermore, she pointed out that car journeys were often cheaper than bus trips despite the environmental impact. The hon. Member observed that while manufacturers showcased electric buses in Westminster, they were not yet seen on Newcastle streets.

He highlighted the disparity in transport funding between London and northern England, noting that since 2010, £86 billion less has been allocated to northern regions compared to London. Mr Morris argued for a change in mindset from the Government regarding public transportation as vital services rather than secondary distractions.

The MP emphasised the social isolation caused by poor bus services in Northumberland, particularly in rural areas. He cited a fare of £6.40 for a seven-mile journey within his constituency, which is unaffordable for many on low incomes. The MP also highlighted the limited and inconvenient bus schedules that hinder access to essential services like hospitals. The hon. Member pointed out that affordability is a major issue, noting it costs £6.40 to travel seven miles in his constituency, whereas daily travel in London is capped at £4.65.

She discussed the impact of insufficient and unreliable bus services on children's education, noting that some families are spending £90 a month for school buses. Ms Foy pointed out that these issues not only affect students' ability to attend extracurricular activities but also contribute to increased traffic and air pollution around schools.

The Government's lack of support for the Tyne and Wear Metro, which is crucial to public transport in the north-east, has led to a £7.5 million cut in bus services next year. Councils are being asked to cover an extra £4.1 million due to central government's failure to act, straining local authorities' already tight budgets. The lack of funding and support for public transport from the Government is not helping communities with limited rail access, leading to a decline in essential bus services.