Transport Secretary shows no understanding of importance of local bus services



At a time when bus services across the North West have been slashed, the Transport Secretary shows no understanding of the dependence on local transport.



According to reports, Secretary of State for Transport Chris Grayling suggested “the nature of bus provision is likely to change over the coming years, with more Uber style, demand-led services replacing traditional services.”



Funding for buses has been cut by 32% since 2010 with rural areas the hardest hit. Bus fares have also risen by 27 per cent since 2010 on average after Ministers cut support for bus services in the last Parliament.



Labour strongly supports the devolution of powers and funding to local transport authorities, so that local communities can determine their own priorities.



Andy McDonald MP, Labour’s Shadow Transport Secretary, responding to comments made by Chris Grayling about bus services being replaced by services like Uber, said:



“For many people, especially the young and the elderly, those living in rural areas and those who do not own a car, bus services are a lifeline.



“But rather than addressing the buses crisis, Chris Grayling’s solution is to say let them take taxis.



“This is a dim-witted approach from an out of touch Transport Secretary who hasn’t lifted a finger to stop bus routes being withdrawn and funding for buses being slashed.



“Nobody wants to see Uber replacing local bus services except Chris Grayling.”

If you ain't got the money then you can't have it

These buses belong in the last century, pollution causing traffic jamming anachronisms something like the Labour Party.

Who would be surprised if Jeremy turned up as the bus conductor.

Chris Grayling is quite simply the worst Minister ever. Everything he has been a part of has been a disaster. A truly hopeless individual