TfN responds to government’s £3 billion bus strategy

Following the publication of the Prime Minister’s £3 billion strategy to ‘Bus Back Better’ after the pandemic, Transport for the North (TfN) has welcomed promises to improve services nationwide.

Presented on 15th March, the strategy outlines a £3 billion investment package in bus services in England that aims to deliver lower fares in towns and cities across, as well as introducing more flexible services in communities cut-off from public transport links. Proposals also include commitments to transition towards electric and hydrogen powered vehicles, with a phasing out of new diesel buses. The Prime Minister also called for closer partnerships and franchising agreements between transport operators and local authorities, similar to those expected to be adopted in Greater Manchester.

Commenting on the publication of the government’s ‘Bus Back Better’ strategy, Barry White, Chief Executive at Transport for the North, said:

Buses are absolutely integral to the North’s public transport system and are a daily part of millions of peoples’ lives in getting from A to B.

“This is a promising strategy that rightly seeks to make buses more reliable, easier to use and better for the environment. It also recognises the critical role of local leaders in knowing what is best for their area and having command over how their services should be improved. They must be supported by the necessary funding to deliver passenger benefits, including infrastructure investment.

“Public transport – be it bus, tram or train – needs better ticketing. We’ve already made strides in kitting out Northern train stations for contactless payments in the future as well as making bus data available on some of the UK’s biggest known travel apps.

“We share the Government’s ambition for an integrated ticketing approach to allow passengers to buy a through journey for local bus, rail and metro with a single tap on a smartphone. We hope recognition of the link between better fares and encouraging people onto public transport as part of our recovery will see progress made on funding such initiatives in the year ahead.”