Lloyd Hatton, Labour MP for South Dorset, yesterday backed the Government’s Bus Services Bill which seeks to give powers back to local transport authorities (LTAs), delivering more control over routes, fares and service quality for local communities.
Under the Conservatives, bus services in England’s regions outside London collapsed, with thousands of bus services cut. Across the South West alone, bus miles declined by 20.85%.
The Buses Bill will expand the power to ‘franchise’ bus services to all local councils. The Bill will also revolutionise the bus network in the largest overhaul to local transport powers in 40 years.
The plans would grant LTAs, like Dorset Council, greater control over the routes, fares and service levels of bus services.
The package of measures would also reverse the ideological ban on publicly owned bus companies, giving local authorities more flexibility on how to approach fixing local services.
The Bill follows a recent Government new funding announcement of £3,815,959 for Dorset Council to support bus services. The investment has been designated to enhance popular routes, protect rural services and increase bus use for shopping, socialising and commuting.
Commenting on the Bill, Mr Hatton said: “I am delighted that this Labour Government understands the importance of ending the postcode lottery of Britain’s broken buses.”
He adds: “Constituents across South Dorset – particularly in Crossways, Southill, Winfrith Newburgh, Lulworth and the Grove on Portland – have had to put up with deteriorating bus services for far too long.
“This Bill is our opportunity to finally improve bus services for passengers – or would be passengers – right across South Dorset. Looking ahead, I will continue to campaign for better bus services where the need is greatest.”
