In the wake of calls for the government to show more ambition on buses in England, local transport minister Simon Lightwood talked up progress

 
Lightwood: “stellar result”

 
Ahead of next week’s UK Bus Summit in Manchester, local transport minister Simon Lightwood has defended the government’s record on buses.

It comes after the Transport Committee published a report on buses in England (PT343) and said “ministers should go further to get bums on seats”.

Writing in this edition of Passenger Transport, Lightwood paints a positive picture: “Thanks to the efforts of operators and local transport authorities, patronage across the country is now making its way back to pre-pandemic levels. This is a stellar result and puts the industry in a strong position to continue growing. Supporting the sector to do this remains one of government’s top priorities and I’ve been delighted to see our reform agenda kicking into gear.”

Patronage is now making its way back to pre-pandemic levels

He also defends the government’s record on bus funding, declaring: “Since the election, we’ve consistently put our money where our mouth is. Last Autumn, we confirmed £1bn to support and improve bus services and keep fares affordable. This did not come with a list of caveats and limitations, bound together by reams of red tape. Instead, we’re giving local leaders the flexibility to invest in what matters most to their community.”

Also writing in this edition of Passenger Transport, Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham lists the achievements of his region’s franchised Bee Network and says it can become a blueprint for others to follow.

 

More from our special UK Bus Summit supplement:

SIMON LIGHTWOOD: We’ve made great progress
ANDY BURNHAM: Bee Network can be a blueprint
ANNE MARIE PURCELL: Making franchising a success
VIX TECHNOLOGY: How can technology unlock the potential of bus franchising?
PELICAN: Based in the UK – and committed to it

 
This article appears in the latest issue of Passenger Transport.

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