ANDREW Gwynne, MP for Denton and Reddish, has shown his support for local bus services and backed calls for a national bus strategy.
He said: “Buses are vital to so many people across the Denton and Reddish constituency, connecting them to work and college, shops and services, friends and family.
“Not only this, but increased bus usage could help reduce congestion on our road and clean up our air.
“We need a national bus strategy, with the full support of Government, to give operators and local authorities the long-term reassurance they need to grow and develop these vital services.”
Buses are the most used public transport – three in every five journeys are made by bus – but there is currently no national bus strategy.
Pressure is increasing on the Government to introduce a national strategy to support local buses, that would cut air pollution, tackle loneliness and drive economic growth.
The Campaign for Better Transport is pushing for a strategy to deliver increased use of buses, better integration of buses with other transport, more zero emission buses and a growth in the use of technology to improve services.
This campaign follows similar recommendations by the House of Commons transport select committee.
Darren Shirley, Chief Executive of Campaign for Better Transport, said: “Buses are the backbone of our public transport network and communities across the country rely on them.
“They help communities to thrive socially and economically and are key to tackling air pollution and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
“We are calling on the Government to introduce a national bus strategy that will make clear how passenger numbers can be increased and services supported and developed.”