West Midlands: Transport

The MP acknowledged investment in the Chase line's rolling stock and electrification, noting increased ridership. He requested weekend service extensions for Penkridge station and direct services from Stone to Manchester. The MP also asked about improving disabled access at Stone station and addressed issues of potholes and funding disparities between rural counties and urban areas.

Helen Morgan highlighted the challenges faced by residents in North Shropshire due to a lack of viable public transport, noting that rural households spend about £800 more annually on fuel compared to urban areas. She pointed out that bus services in Shropshire declined by 63% between 2015 and 2023, making it difficult for young people and older individuals who cannot drive to access essential services or education opportunities. Morgan also raised concerns about the lack of Sunday bus service in Market Drayton and requested updates on funding for step-free access at Whitchurch station and the timeline for the Oswestry-to-Gobowen train line project.

Congratulates the hon. Lady for securing this debate, questioning if net zero targets were part of her questionnaire and highlighting the importance of infrastructure in meeting these targets.

Mr. Nick Thomas-Symonds acknowledged the challenges highlighted by Ms. Maclean, including traffic and road quality issues in Redditch.

In Birmingham, Erdington constituents struggle with delays in bus travel which can often mean waiting for up to an hour and a half on match days and over an hour on regular days. Since Labour was last in government, there has been a 47% decrease in weekly bus services across the West Midlands and a 24% decline in Paulette Hamilton's constituency alone.

Constituents in Birmingham, Edgbaston rely on buses for connecting to jobs, public services and leisure activities. Buses are indispensable for the less affluent part of society who do not own cars. However, since 2010, over 30% of bus routes have been cut across the West Midlands region with more than 2,000 routes disappearing in England alone from 2021 onwards. The new Mayor Richard Parker aims to bring buses back under public control to better meet community needs and create more accessible services.

Acknowledged the importance of effective public transport for economic growth and labour mobility. Highlighted significant declines in bus services since deregulation, including a reduction of 300 million fewer bus miles per year since 2010. Emphasised the need for subsidy reform to improve bus service quality. Stressed the critical role of high-quality transportation in supporting educational opportunities, job access, and community connectivity in the west midlands.

Asks whether nitrogen dioxide levels adversely affect children's health and criticises the government for passing responsibility to local authorities instead of addressing air quality issues directly. The MP intervened to highlight the financial deficit forecast for West Midlands Combined Authority, raising concerns about responsibility attribution.

Gratefully acknowledges securing the debate, supports the vision for transport projects in the West Midlands including funding for train stations and restoring train services, urging on-time delivery. Welcomes the Minister's support for previous Mayor Andy Street and asks for continued work with the new Mayor to deliver Aldridge train station and explore an open-access route from Wales to Euston with a stop at Aldridge.