Bus Franchising Debate

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Department: Department for Transport

Bus Franchising

Luke Charters Excerpts
Monday 9th September 2024

(4 days, 7 hours ago)

Commons Chamber
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Connor Naismith Portrait Connor Naismith (Crewe and Nantwich) (Lab)
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It was interesting to hear the Opposition Front-Bench spokesperson talk about the importance of preserving existing bus routes, when their party had presided over 14 years when thousands of bus services were lost to communities across the country, including in my constituency, where we still do not have a direct bus route from Nantwich to our local hospital. It has taken this Government just 10 weeks to present a plan to fix local bus services. Does that not epitomise how underserved our communities and local economies have been by 14 long years of Conservative government?

Luke Charters Portrait Mr Luke Charters (York Outer) (Lab)
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It was great to visit the First Bus all-electric depot in York the other week, but I was saddened to hear just days later that First had withdrawn children’s monthly bus passes. After meeting representatives of the company, they are reviewing that decision, but does my hon. Friend agree that travel to and from school should be affordable? Will he meet me to discuss the future of buses in York?

Simon Lightwood Portrait Simon Lightwood
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Of course I want to make sure that bus fares are affordable. I will meet my hon. Friend to discuss his particular circumstances.