Stephen Morgan MP has backed Government plans to deliver faster, cheaper and more reliable buses with over £7m in funding in Portsmouth.
Buses matter to millions of people. But 14 years of the Tories’ broken bus system failed countless communities and has led to a spiral of decline in bus services. Now, after years of decline, better buses are on the way.
This funding is a vital part of the Government’s plans to enact the biggest reform to England’s bus system in 40 years, putting power in the hands of the communities who need it the most.
The funding could be used to lower the prices of fares, introduce new routes and zero-emission buses, or create safer bus stops.
Totalling £3 billion across England, the funding represents a record level of recent investment for bus improvements for the majority of areas.
This landmark funding follows the Bus Services Act becoming law in October, giving local authorities the power to run local services and protecting socially necessary routes.
Under Labour’s plans local leaders rather than Whitehall will decide how bus services should be run, ensuring services are run for people, not profit.
Commenting on the announcement, Stephen Morgan MP for Portsmouth South said:
“People in Portsmouth are rightly tired of unreliable, infrequent bus services after years of Conservative neglect. This has severely impacted their ability to get to work, appointments and social plans.
Whilst progress is being made on improvements, there is much more we can still do to ensure we have the bus service other cities enjoy. That is why I am glad to hear the Transport Secretary’s announcement of over £7m of new bus funding across Portsmouth.
“Labour is delivering upon its plan for better buses across England, with this funding for our city being another crucial stop on that journey.”
Minister for Roads and Buses, Simon Lightwood said:
“For too long passengers have been let down by unreliable services, sub-standard bus stations and over a decade of routes being cut.
“This £3 billion boost will change this, providing passengers with lower fares, more frequent and reliable services and safer journeys – helping both ease the cost of living and making it easier for people to get to work, hospital appointments and social plans, boosting the economy.”
The allocations bring together various bus funding streams into one source. Almost £700m of funding will be allocated to local authorities every single year up to 2028/29 and can be spent however they want.
