Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Lilian Greenwood and Terry Jermy

Thursday 12th February 2026 Commons Chamber

[Lilian Greenwood]

I thank the hon. Lady for her thoughtful question. As I have already acknowledged, under the previous Government, millions of bus miles were lost, particularly in rural areas. However, the Bus Services Act puts power back with local leaders, and enables franchising and enhanced partnerships of municipal operators to improve services. I am sure that the Minister for buses, my hon. Friend the Member for Wakefield and Rothwell (Simon Lightwood), will be happy to talk to her about her proposals.

[Terry Jermy (South West Norfolk) (Lab)]

Norfolk county council received one of the largest shares of money for bus services in the country, and I am very pleased that we have been able to open new rural bus routes in my constituency, but we still do not have a proper link with train services. What more can the Government do to get buses and trains working together, so that we have a truly integrated transport system?

[Lilian Greenwood]

I thank my hon. Friend for his important question. There is no doubt that we need to ensure that transport systems work better together. I am sure he will be very interested in our forthcoming integrated national transport strategy, and he does not have too long to wait.