Labour MP Foody Criticizes Unreliable North East Bus Services Ahead of Bus Services Bill

Labour MP Emma Foody has criticized bus services in her Cramlington and Killingworth constituency as "unreliable" and "inaccessible," based on feedback from her 'Big Bus Survey' which highlighted widespread dissatisfaction among residents. Speaking in the House of Commons, Foody urged that the Government's upcoming Bus Services Bill should empower passengers and local communities. Leader of the House of Commons Lucy Powell supported this, explaining that the bill aims to devolve more powers to local authorities, granting them control over routes, timetables, connections, and fares, and lifting the ban on councils operating their own bus companies. The legislation also seeks to protect essential lifeline bus services from removal or changes without proper council review, particularly in rural and deprived areas. Powell cited Manchester's Bee Network as a successful example where local control has increased bus usage and funding. The Conservative Party has raised concerns about how local authorities will finance these new powers, indicating ongoing debate about the bill's implementation.