Passengers in Clacton to benefit from new bus strategy
The aim is that by levelling up services, more people will turn to buses
Last updated 18th Mar 2021
The Government's new bus strategy will see passengers in Clacton benefiting from more frequent, more reliable and cheaper bus services.
That is according to Giles Watling, MP for Clacton, who has welcomed the announcement.
The new strategy will require Essex County Council to work in partnership with bus operators to improve services, in order to be eligible for future funding.
They will have to provide things such as simpler single bus fares with daily price caps, more services in the evenings and at weekends, and easy to access information.
Councils will also need to franchise services, such as in London, or establish statutory partnerships with operators.
They must also publish an improvement plan.
Operators will need to work with local councils on targets for improving passenger numbers, reliability and passenger satisfaction, to be eligible for future government funding.
The aim is that by levelling up services across the country, more people will turn to buses, rather than using a car.
Giles said:
"Good bus services can have a transformational role in places like the Clacton constituency, unlocking job opportunities, boosting businesses and supporting economic growth.
"This new National Strategy Bus Strategy, backed by £3 billion, will help to make this a reality – paving the way for simpler fares, more reliable services, and better connections across every part of the country.
"At the last general election, I stood on a manifesto that promised to level up and improve transport connections across our area, and this boost to our local bus services will help to deliver on that promise."
Councillor Ray Gooding, Essex County Council’s cabinet member for education and skills said:
"Essex County Council has a proud history of working with local bus operators and invests over £50 million in bus travel in Essex every year.
"The Government’s new Bus Strategy offers an opportunity to further enhance that relationship and give the people of Essex a safer, greener, healthier alternative to the car.
"We look forward to working with operators and setting out our ambitious plans in due course."