AN £11million funding boost for local bus services has been welcomed by a local MP.
Staffordshire County Council has been awarded the money from the Government as part of plans Labour say will be “transformative” for local services.
The funding is designed to enhance key routes, protect rural services and increase bus usage, as well as improving punctuality.
Sarah Edwards MP, Labour representative for Tamworth – which includes Whittington, Stonnall, Fazeley and Shenstone – said:
“I am delighted that the Transport Secretary has confirmed £11.1million of new bus funding across my constituency.
“People are tired of unreliable, infrequent bus services holding them back from opportunities after a decade of neglect of our local bus services.
“This new Government has a plan to deliver better buses across the country – and this funding boost is another crucial stop on that journey.”
The money is part of £955million being given out across the country to help deliver consistent bus services.
The Government said the funding would be based on need rather than previous processes which saw competitive bidding between different areas.
Transport Secretary Louise Haigh said:
“Buses are the lifeblood of communities, but the system is broken. Too often, passengers are left waiting hours for buses that don’t turn up – and some have been cut off altogether.
“That’s why we’re reforming funding to deliver better buses across the country and end the postcode lottery of bus services.
“And it’s why we’re providing over £1billion of funding to keep fares down, protect local routes and deliver more reliable services.
“This is part of our wider plan to put passengers first and give every community the power to take back control of their bus services through franchising or public ownership.
“By delivering better buses, we’ll ensure people have proper access to jobs and opportunities – powering economic growth in every corner of the country.”
If you want better bus services, don’t get rid of the bus station in Lichfield. The site for the proposed replacement outside the train station is far too small. The £11.1 million investment will be wasted if the buses have nowhere to go.
Anything that might help to lessen the stranglehold that cars have on this country must be a good thing, not to mention the benefits for the environment.
While buses are still important, it is wistful thinking to suppose we can reverse history. When I was young car ownership was rare. Transport, that is buses and trains, we’re plentiful and reliable. It is highly improbable we might return to that. Cars are here to stay. Councils often underestimate how important they are to local commerce and restrict or overprice their use, and the wallet holders who come in them.
The pleasures that independent transport has given to ordinary people is a feature of recent generations. Sadly, as with many other difficulties, it is rapid population growth which is causing problems.
The other day there were 2 or 3 coaches and everyone bus stand had a bus in it. Where are they all going to stop
We need more parking, not more buses.