Today local MP Jack Brereton raise with the Prime Minister the potential for franchising bus services in the Potteries to address the poor quality of local public transport. Jack made clear the need to address the barrier caused by poor public transport if we are to unlock the opportunities and level up Stoke-on-Trent.
Jack recently highlighted the need to improve public transport to ensure people can access better employment and skills opportunities. Currently over 30% of households in Stoke-on-Trent do not have access to a car, and our bus and rail services are just not good enough.
This follows the huge commitment made by the Government in the budget to invest £56 million through the levelling up fund to unlock the potential of Stoke-on-Trent as well as over £40 million being invested in improved local bus and rail services through the Transforming Cities Fund. Stoke-on-Trent City Council have recently submitted their Bus Service Improvement Plan to Government.
Jack Brereton MP asked in the House of Commons: “I thank the Prime Minister and the Government for securing our fantastic Stoke-on-Trent levelling-up funding. If we are truly to level up opportunities and access to opportunities in Stoke-on-Trent, we must also improve our poor public transport, so will my right hon. Friend agree to look at the possibility of bus franchising in the Potteries?”
The Prime Minister, Boris Johnson MP responded: “As my hon. Friend knows, I am a fanatic about buses. We are putting £1.2 billion more into bus funding, and I know that Stoke-on-Trent has applied for that. I urge my hon. Friend to take up his suggestion immediately with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport.”
Following PMQs Jack said: “I have taken the PMs advice and just spoken with the Secretary of State for Transport about the huge opportunity through franchising to improve bus services. I’m delighted he is keen to support us with this. Poor transport is a huge barrier locally in access to work, college and to just get around. It will be vital to see public transport and especially bus services improve if we are to unlock the true potential of our city and level up access to better opportunities.”
