Statement from Aylesbury MP following Bus Survey

Laura Kyrke-Smith shared this statement on social media concerning the constituency bus survey which saw over 300+ residents' responses.

"Following the deadline for the survey, I wrote to all the bus companies that operate in the areas to relay your feedback.

In response, Arriva shared that they are working with Buckinghamshire Council, Central Bedfordshire Council and Milton Keynes City Council to develop a long-term strategy for the X4 and similar X6 (Milton Keynes > Buckingham > Aylesbury) services with a view to the opening of East West Rail.

The owners of Redline and Red Eagle agreed to meet with me. During our meeting, we discussed a range of issues that came up in survey responses, including the accessibility, reliability, pricing and environmental sustainability of their bus services. They have noted these points and I know they’re committed to working on timeliness and reviewing service frequency.

We also spoke about Red Eagle's new 500 timetable which began on 19 May following Arriva's decision to end their X5 service. I am pleased Red Eagle adjusted their timetable to make up for the loss of Arriva's X5, this was a really positive step forward for which I'm grateful. I know there are some teething issues with the new timetable which Red Eagle are working on and I’m in touch with Aston Clinton residents about this.

I have also raised your feedback with the Ministers in the Department for Transport, which is timely given that the Government’s “Better Buses Bill” is currently being debated in Parliament.

I'm pleased that the Government has already been working hard to deliver better buses for Bucks. Last year it allocated £6m of investment for Bucks Council. But this new Bill in Parliament will be an important next step, as it helps communities take back control of their local bus services by giving them power over routes, fares and services. It includes the following points:

1. Empower local transport authorities and reform funding: by giving local leaders more control and flexibility over bus funding and allowing them to plan ahead to deliver their local transport priorities.

2. Allow every community to take back control of their buses: by removing barriers that currently limit bus franchising powers only to metropolitan mayors.

3. Accelerate the bus franchising process: by supporting local leaders to deliver better buses, faster.

4. Step in to safeguard local bus networks: by providing more accountability over bus operators and ensuring standards are raised wherever you live across the country.

5. Support public ownership: by removing the Conservatives’ ideological ban on publicly owned bus companies and building on the success of award-winning public bus services still in operation.

I have written to Buckinghamshire Council to urge them to take advantage of the powers this Bill will grant once passed into legislation. You can find more information about the new legislation here: https://www.gov.uk/.../better-buses-on-the-way-as.... (external site)

Buses are so vital to our communities across Aylesbury and the villages, bringing people together and driving economic growth. I will continue to work with our local bus companies, Bucks Council and the Government to ensure my residents get the best bus services possible."