Since being elected back in 2015, I have supported local bus services to enable all to stay mobile but also as a way to reduce cars on our roads and support our vitally important agenda on climate change and air pollution. Last year had great pleasure of meeting with Faresaver in Chippenham to ensure the continuity of a regular bus service from Melksham to Bath.
Bus drivers are amongst some of our local unsung heroes so I’d like to take this opportunity to say thank you. They have for example they have enabled keyworkers to get to work and people to get their vaccine.
We have today launched a new, long-term National Bus Strategy for England, outside London. Backed by more than £3 billion, it will deliver cheaper, more frequent and more reliable bus services for passengers. Over 50% of public transport journeys in the UK take place by bus.
We expect councils and operators, working together, to provide:
- Cheaper single bus fares, with daily price caps.
- More integrated services and ticketing across all transport modes in an area, so people can easily move from bus to train.
- Easy to access information, including online.
- Contactless payments on all buses.
- Easier access for disabled people onboard buses.
The strategy also sets out our ambitious roadmap to a zero-emission bus fleet, and alongside the strategy we have also launched a consultation on ending the sale of new diesel buses in England.
After the local elections I shall call a meeting between Wiltshire Council and bus operators in our area so we can take advantage of what this strategy has to offer.
