I’m delighted that the Labour Party has announced its Plan for Better Buses.
Communities all over the country and the cross-party LGA have been calling for change for years.
Buses are by far the most used form of public transport in the country but, discounting London, more than 5,000 bus services have been lost in England since 2010.
The current system is broken and our communities are badly served. It’s disgraceful that taxpayers’ money is funnelled into the private sector, funding the most profitable routes rather than around need.
“Labour will allow every community to control their buses through a franchising system”
It is certainly possible to run a successful bus company locally, as we have seen in Reading. Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has also implemented a publicly run bus company, but a Labour government can accelerate the process for local leaders.
Labour will remove legal barriers restricting local transport authorities from taking back control of their bus services. In government, we will empower local transport authorities and reform their funding so local leaders can plan ahead.
We will allow every community to control their buses through a franchising system if they feel it’s in their community’s best interest. Labour will also step in to safeguard local bus networks and ensure standards are raised.
Finally, we will support public ownership of buses by removing the Conservatives’ ideological ban.
Detailed plans demonstrate that Labour is ready for power, and I am excited to support the campaign, but crucially to continue that support if we are elected. Onwards to the local elections!