Richard Holden MP, Transport Minister, has his debut at the dispatch box about local bus services.
Richard offers the following statement:
"I’m really aware of the issues we’ve been facing locally with bus services and took the adjournment debate in Parliament this week on this issue.
"The fundamentals have changed regarding bus services with few routes now having more than 80% of their pre-Covid travel levels - demand is rising but very slowly. Much of this is resulting from many older residents not making as many or as frequent journeys - even with the free bus pass. This is the same nationwide and means that many routes aren’t as viable as they were. The companies have also faced further issues with driver retention and recruitment (Link: https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/.../20251253.map-north.../)
"As interim measures the Government have put in taxpayers money to keep bus services going, £2 billion since the start of the pandemic with the lastest £130 million tranche announced recently supporting to as many services as possible operating (Link: https://www.gov.uk/.../130-million-to-protect-bus...)
"However, there is significant positive news around the corner. The North East has got £163,000,000 indicative funding towards upgrading and more frequent and better services via the Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) - for the longer term - the details of this and how it will be spent will be published in coming months if the plan passes all the checks. The North East Transport Authority (all the local authorities in the North East outside Teesside headed by Gateshead Council leader Martin Gannon who chairs the North East Joint Transport Committee) has come up with an “Enhanced Partnership” rather than a full bus franchise model. Details of this will hopefully be coming within the next few months.
"Locally, I’m pleased that in #Crook & #Willington that Weardale Travel have taken on the old Scarlet Band routes - there will be some changes to timetables but they’re committed to ensuring the areas the service covers will be served.
"A few weeks ago I spoke to Go North East - who serve much of the Greater Consett, Dipton, and Burnopfield area - as I do regularly about their services. Their issues with driver shortages have eased somewhat following new pay and conditions arrangements and improved recruitment but they are still recruiting.
"Regarding Arriva who service the Crook and Willington area who provide the main services - I finally managed to speak to them last week. They are not in quite as good a position as Go North East in terms of recruitment but things have improved. They said it will be a few months before they have all the staffing they require. I made the point to them that it’s vital low frequency routes are maintained and that we expect better services.
"I know there have also been some recent issues with school bus services in some areas. My team and I have chased down the Council on this and hopefully the issues are now resolved.
"Both Go North East and Arriva are recruiting so if you fancy your hand at being a driver click on the links:
"Go North East (have a Consett Depot) - https://www.gonortheast.co.uk/bus-driver
"Arriva (have a Durham & Darlington depot nearby) - https://careers.arrivabus.co.uk."
If you want to see some highlights from the bus debate click below or read the full transcript here: https://hansard.parliament.uk/.../F363.../BusServicesBlaydon