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Bus Services: North-east England
24 November 2021
Lead MP
Liz Twist
Blaydon and Consett
Lab
Responding Minister
Trudy Harrison
Tags
Transport
Word Count: 8135
Other Contributors: 7
At a Glance
Liz Twist raised concerns about bus services: north-east england in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
Twist asked the Minister to look again at continuing emergency payments for the Tyne and Wear Metro due to end in March 2022, considering a major shortfall of £20.8 million is forecasted. She requested an urgent discussion with Nexus, Transport North East, and others to explore ways forward that avoid the proposed 20% reduction in bus mileage.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Liz Twist highlighted that some 160 million bus journeys were made across the north-east pre-covid, reflecting a high level of concern from constituents about changes to local bus services. She noted the significant impact of driver shortages, increased congestion on roads due to more people using cars to avoid catching covid, and financial pressures faced by operators due to reduced fare income and increasing costs for fuel, labour, maintenance, and concessionary travel reimbursements. She also mentioned that the Government's national bus strategy required local transport authorities to submit plans by October 2021 but significantly cut funding from £3 billion to £1.2 billion.
Andy McDonald
Lab
Middlesbrough and Thornaby East
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.
Newcastle upon Tyne North
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.
Chi Onwurah
Lab
Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West
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.
Grahame Morris
Lab
Easington
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.
Ian Lavery
Lab
Blyth and Ashington
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.
Mary Foy
Lab
City of Durham
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.
Sharon Hodgson
Lab
Washington and Gateshead South
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.
Government Response
Trudy Harrison
Government Response
The Government have provided more than £1.5 billion to support bus services during the pandemic and aim to improve them through the 'Bus Back Better' strategy, focusing on making fares cheaper, improving reliability, and adopting a London-style approach to fares. The Minister announced £1.2 billion in dedicated funding for bus transformation deals and discussed 4,000 zero-emission buses as part of the transport decarbonisation plan. She also addressed issues such as driver shortages and local partnership agreements crucial for achieving strategy goals.
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.