Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Bus Services: England — [Valerie Vaz in the Chair]

21 May 2024 · 5 other contributors · 11,954 words

Opened by Jonathan Gullis Con Stoke-on-Trent North

Responding minister: Guy Opperman

Transport

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Jonathan Gullis raised concerns about bus services: england — [valerie vaz in the chair] in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Jonathan Gullis highlighted the 14% national reduction in bus services between 2016-17 and 2021-22, with Stoke-on-Trent experiencing a 50% reduction.
  • Gullis reported that 76% of surveyed residents in Stoke-on-Trent would use buses more for shopping if better services were available, and 49.6% said services could be improved by running later into the evening.
  • The Minister noted that the Government have provided over 33 million for Stoke-on-Trent City Council to improve bus services, including support for zero-emission buses funded by HS2 money.

Key requests to Government

Gullis asked Stoke-on-Trent City Council to scrap the 9:30 am cap on concessionary bus passes and called on the Minister to join him in this campaign. He also advocated for an £11 million investment from the council to support a new electric bus fleet.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Jonathan Gullis Con Stoke-on-Trent North

Jonathan Gullis highlighted the importance of buses in connecting communities, especially in Stoke-on-Trent North, Kidsgrove and Talke. He noted that bus services have shrunk by an estimated 14% nationally between 2016-17 and 2021-22, with a 50% reduction in Stoke-on-Trent over the same period due to changes in timetables rather than route closures. Gullis reported that 76% of local residents surveyed would use buses more for shopping if better services were available, and 49.6% said services could be improved by running later into the evening.

Other contributors (5)
  • Bill Esterson Lab Sefton Central

    He agreed with the importance of buses in England, noting that millions rely on them and they are the most used form of public transport. He highlighted the decline in bus journeys since deregulation in 1985, mentioning a decrease of 300 million miles driven by buses annually since 2010 and thousands of services being cut across the country. Esterson also pointed out that some parts of Stoke-on-Trent have seen their bus miles halve in the last decade. He called for bold reform to address the creaking network and criticised the current system's lack of accountability for operators. Asked about the cuts in 2010 and the current state of the economy.

  • Bob Seely Con Isle of Wight

    Bob Seely highlighted the Isle of Wight's successful bus routes, noting that there are eight services from Newport per working day. He praised the electric bus initiative and the £2 fare scheme, which has attracted thousands more people to use the bus network each month.

  • Jack Brereton Con Stoke-on-Trent North

    Bus services are crucial for reducing road congestion and supporting deprived communities. Jack supports the fare cap initiative proposed by Jonathan Gullis, highlighting the challenges faced by Strathmore College due to the 9.30 am start time. He also discussed the decline of bus services in non-metropolitan areas, advocating for his private Member's Bill to enhance high streets and improve accessibility through mandatory improvement plans.

  • Paul Howell Con Sleaford and North Hykeham

    From 2022 to 2023, bus miles in County Durham dropped by 18%, with significant route reductions and frequency cuts affecting deprived communities. The removal of the X21 service has generated extensive constituent casework due to its importance for job connections in Newton Aycliffe. Low car ownership and limited connectivity severely restrict residents' ability to access employment and educational opportunities. Paul Howell asked for further details on how objectives will be achieved, expressing interest in consistency with Labour's approach regarding franchising.

  • Richard Foord Lib Dem Honiton and Sidmouth

    The MP highlighted significant issues with bus services in rural areas, noting that nearly a quarter of routes outside London have been cut over the past decade. He cited specific examples such as delays and route cancellations impacting constituents' daily lives. The MP also mentioned challenges posed by concessionary fares for older people, making it difficult for bus companies to make profits.

Government Response

Guy Opperman

The Government have doubled bus funding since 2010 and announced over £4.5 billion in support to improve services, including over £33 million for Stoke-on-Trent City Council. He highlighted the local affordable fares scheme and zero-emission buses funded by HS2 money. Guy Opperman also mentioned that Liverpool City Council received £9.4 million for zero-emission buses.

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