Today I have backed the Labour Government’s plan to deliver faster, cheaper and more reliable buses with £75m funding for the North-East Combined Authority.  

Buses matter to millions of people. But 14 years of the Conservative approach to public transport failed countless communities and has led to a spiral of decline in bus services. Now, after years of poor service, better buses are on the way.  

This funding is a vital part of the Government’s plans to enact the biggest reform to England’s bus system in 40 years, putting power in the hands of the communities who need it the most. The funding can be used to lower the prices of fares, introduce new routes and zero-emission buses, and create safer bus stops.  

Totalling £3 billion across England, the funding represents a record level of recent investment for bus improvements for the majority of areas.  

This landmark funding follows the Bus Services Act becoming law in October, giving local authorities the power to run local services and protecting socially necessary routes.  

Under Labour’s plans local leaders, rather than Whitehall, will decide how bus services should be run, ensuring services are run for people, not profit.  

I am delighted that the Transport Secretary has confirmed £75m of new bus funding across the North-East that will benefit the people of North Northumberland. 

After a decade of decline, the recent news that only four in five of Northumberland buses run on time confirms what we all know: people are tired of unreliable, infrequent bus services holding them back from getting to work, hospital appointments and social plans. 

This new Government has a plan to deliver better buses across the country, and this funding boost is another crucial stop on that journey.

Minister for Roads and Buses, Simon Lightwood said: “For too long passengers have been let down by unreliable services, sub-standard bus stations and over a decade of routes being cut.  

“This £3 billion boost will change this, providing passengers with lower fares, more frequent and reliable services and safer journeys – helping both ease the cost of living and making it easier for people to get to work, hospital appointments and social plans, boosting the economy.”  

The allocations bring together various bus funding streams into one source. Almost £700m of funding will be allocated to local authorities every single year up to 2028/29 and can be spent  to meet local need.