Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps the Government plans to take to encourage integration of bus services in the North East.

The Bus Services Act 2017 contains comprehensive powers to enable local transport authorities and bus operators to work together in partnership to improve integration, not only of the local bus network but also between bus services and other modes of transport such as light and heavy rail. The Act also allows combined mayoral authorities to apply for new franchising powers. Other authorities can also apply for franchising powers with approval from the Secretary of State, subject to the necessary regulations having been made under the new section 123A(4) of Part 2 of the Transport Act 2000.