Response to the government’s announcement of the Bus Bill
In response to the government’s announcement of the Bus Bill in Parliament, Chair of Transport East, Will Quince, said:
“We welcome the Government’s ambitions to improve bus services and the recent legislation focused on increased powers for local authorities, including bus franchising, alongside enhanced partnerships and municipal ownership.
“Buses remain the most popular form of public transport across the region and Transport East is ready to support our regional members deliver their public transport goals. Notable funding through the BSIP initiative in Norfolk has shown investment into bus services leads to positive results. The county has witnessed an increase in patronage and more people using public transport to access essential services.
“Our partners are committed to improving services for all their communities and are keen to understand from Government how franchising or other options could work in the East, considering the region’s large rural population and local government funding challenges.
“I look forward to working with our partners and Government to support bus improvements and deliver a public transport system that delivers positive outcomes for everyone across the East.”