Most bus services outside London are commercially operated. The Government recognises the importance of local bus services to helping communities stay connected and has announced over £4.5 billion to support and improve bus services since 2020. This includes over £2 billion to help local authorities deliver their Bus Service Improvement Plans (BSIPs) and make bus services more frequent, reliable, cheaper, and easier to use. Shropshire Council has been allocated £4.8 million to deliver its BSIP. Local authorities can use BSIP funding to target areas they believe will deliver the best overall outcomes in growing long term patronage and revenues; helping to maintain service levels.<\/p>
<\/p>
The Government also makes over £200 million available to bus operators every year through the Bus Service Operators Grant (BSOG) to help them maintain their networks. A further £42 million in BSOG funding is provided directly to local authorities to help subsidise socially necessary bus services that might otherwise be commercially unviable. Shropshire Council receives £512,447 of this funding every year.<\/p>
<\/p>
The Government is also investing almost £600 million to deliver the £2 fare cap scheme in England, helping passengers save on their travel costs, and ultimately encouraging more people to use the bus.<\/p>
<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4142", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Guy Opperman"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Hexham"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Guy Opperman"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2024-05-23", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2024-05-23T14:36:22.373Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "27"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Transport"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Transport"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2024-05-20", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Bus Services: Shropshire"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps his Department is taking to help increase the number of miles travelled by bus in Shropshire.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4934", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Helen Morgan"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "North Shropshire"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Helen Morgan"} ], "uin" : "27133"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1719399", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Transport"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1719399/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
Under Network North, it was announced that the Oswestry to Gobowen line Restoring Your Railway scheme would progress to delivery, subject to successful business cases. Progress is being made with Network Rail and others on next steps, including on a schedule for development work and costs. The Department expects that such development work will begin in the coming months.<\/p>
<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4442", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Huw Merriman"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Bexhill and Battle"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Huw Merriman"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2024-05-23", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2024-05-23T14:42:44.327Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "27"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Transport"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Transport"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2024-05-20", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Gobowen-Oswestry Railway Line"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what progress has been made on the reopening of the Oswestry to Gobowen railway line.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4934", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Helen Morgan"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "North Shropshire"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Helen Morgan"} ], "uin" : "27137"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1719430", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Transport"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1719430/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
As part of our recent Network North announcement, the Government confirmed £350m will be made available to improve the accessibility of our train stations. We are assessing over 300 nominations for Access for All funding. At stations awarded funding this will create an obstacle free, accessible route from the station entrance to platforms. Successful nominations will be announced in due course.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4442", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Huw Merriman"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Bexhill and Battle"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Huw Merriman"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2024-05-23", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2024-05-23T14:41:05.12Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "27"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Transport"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Transport"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2024-05-20", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Railways: Access"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 8 February 2024 to Question 13050 on Railways: Access, what recent progress his Department has made on assessing applications for Access for All funding.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4671", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Afzal Khan"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Manchester, Gorton"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Afzal Khan"} ], "uin" : "27168"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1719461", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Transport"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1719461/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
We are continuing to work closely with the rail industry to develop the Government priorities outlined in the Prime Minister\u2019s Network North announcement, which includes an unprecedented £1 billion investment to fund the electrification of the North Wales Main Line. In February, the Transport Secretary hosted a meeting with local leaders in North Wales to discuss how HS2 savings will be rerouted to improve rail links in Wales.<\/p>
We are in the early stages of establishing the next steps for the North Wales electrification scheme, including the costs and programme for development and delivery. We will share further information when that work is complete.<\/p>
<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4442", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Huw Merriman"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Bexhill and Battle"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Huw Merriman"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2024-05-23", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2024-05-23T14:45:22.037Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "27"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Transport"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Transport"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2024-05-20", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "North Wales Coast Line: Electrification"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what progress he has made on the proposed electrification of the North Wales Coast Line.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4810", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Mr Rob Roberts"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Delyn"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Mr Rob Roberts"} ], "uin" : "27199"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1719101", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Transport"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1719101/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
The DVLA is reviewing a range of commitments, in line with Cabinet Office guidance. There has been no spending under this particular contract.<\/p>
<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4142", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Guy Opperman"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Hexham"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Guy Opperman"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2024-05-22", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2024-05-22T14:23:55.477Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "27"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Transport"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Transport"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2024-05-17", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency: Contracts"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 16 May 2024 to Question 25812 on Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency: Contracts and with reference to the Minister without Portfolio's article of 12 May 2024 in The Sunday Telegraph, whether the DVLA intends to cancel the contract with Political Engagement Ltd.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1536", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Emily Thornberry"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Islington South and Finsbury"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Emily Thornberry"} ], "uin" : "26861"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1718860", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Transport"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1718860/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
In general under the Department\u2019s National Rail Contracts and Service Contracts, wifi quality standards are for train operators to determine. <\/strong>In 2020, the Department commissioned Transport Focus to undertake research of the availability and quality of internet and voice connectivity available to passengers. This provided a snapshot of the comparative performance.<\/p> The choice of mobile operator(s) \u2013 used to provide the mobile connection between the on-train wifi systems and the internet \u2013 and the coverage and technology (3G, 4G or 5G) that is available serving the rail corridor can vary considerably by individual route and region. SWR are developing superfast 5G Wi-Fi technology, which will be installed between Earlsfield and Basingstoke in 2024. This superfast trackside solution will be fully integrated with their existing on-board Wi-Fi service, delivering an enhanced connectivity solution for SWR mainline passengers.<\/p> We continue to work closely with Network Rail to improve connectivity on the rail corridor and Project Reach is a Network Rail led transaction seeking private sector investment in rail telecoms.<\/p>"}
, "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4442", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Huw Merriman"}
}
, "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Bexhill and Battle"}
, "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Huw Merriman"}
, "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2024-05-21", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2024-05-21T10:17:17.65Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
]}
, "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "27"}
, "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Transport"}
, "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Transport"}
, "date" : {"_value" : "2024-05-16", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Railways: WiFi"}
, "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"}
, "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"}
}
], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent assessment he has made of the (a) standard of wifi services provided by train operators, (b) trends in the standards of that service over the last three years and (c) effectiveness of incentives for train operators to provide high quality wifi services.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4124", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Chi Onwurah"}
}
, "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Newcastle upon Tyne Central"}
, "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Chi Onwurah"}
], "uin" : "26680"}
, {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1718898", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Transport"}
], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1718898/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : " This Government has invested £410m into the Zero Emission Bus programmes since 2020, which has funded over <\/p> The Zero Emission Bus Regional Area (ZEBRA) 1 programme was launched in 2021 and awarded £270m funding to 16 local transport authorities (LTAs) in England (outside of London).<\/p> <\/p> ZEBs produced and sold in the UK are supported by a global supply chain; the below table outlines bus manufacturer\u2019s location. The numbers in this table are not official statistics: they are based on the latest information available and are therefore indicative and subject to change.<\/p> ZEBRA 1<\/p><\/td><\/tr> Local Transport Authority<\/p><\/td> Number of buses on the road<\/p><\/td> Bus manufacturer\u202f& Location<\/p><\/td><\/tr> Blackpool Council<\/p><\/td> 0<\/p><\/td> Bus manufacturer subject to outcome of procurement process by local transport authority or bus operator.<\/p><\/td><\/tr> Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority<\/p><\/td> 30<\/p><\/td> Volvo\u202f(Sweden)<\/p><\/td><\/tr> City of York Council<\/p><\/td> 53<\/p><\/td> Wrightbus\u202f(UK)<\/p><\/td><\/tr> Greater Manchester Combined Authority<\/p><\/td> 0<\/p><\/td> Volvo\u202f(Sweden)<\/p><\/td><\/tr> Hertfordshire County Council<\/p><\/td> 0<\/p><\/td> Bus manufacturer subject to outcome of procurement process by local transport authority or bus operator.<\/p><\/td><\/tr> Kent County Council<\/p><\/td> 0<\/p><\/td> Volvo (Sweden) \u202f Leicester City Council<\/p><\/td> 116<\/p><\/td> 110 \u2013 Wrightbus\u202f(UK) \u202f\u202f Norfolk County Council<\/p><\/td> 68<\/p><\/td> Wrightbus\u202f(UK)<\/p><\/td><\/tr> North Yorkshire County Council<\/p><\/td> 0<\/p><\/td> EvoBus/Mercedes (Germany) Alexander Dennis Ltd (UK)<\/p><\/td><\/tr> Nottingham City Council<\/p><\/td> 24<\/p><\/td> Pelican/Yutong (UK/China) \u202f Oxfordshire County Council<\/p><\/td> 56<\/p><\/td> Wrightbus (UK) Portsmouth City Council & Hampshire County Council<\/p><\/td> 62<\/p><\/td> Wrightbus\u202f(UK)<\/p><\/td><\/tr> South Yorkshire Combined Authority<\/p><\/td> 27<\/p><\/td> 4 \u2013 Alexander Dennis Ltd\u202f(UK) \u202f\u202f Warrington Borough Council<\/p><\/td> 105<\/p><\/td> Volvo\u202f(Sweden)<\/p><\/td><\/tr> West Midlands Combined Authority<\/p><\/td> 124<\/p><\/td> Bus manufacturer subject to outcome of procurement process by local transport authority or bus operator.<\/p><\/td><\/tr> West Yorkshire Combined Authority<\/p><\/td> 146<\/p><\/td> 131 \u2013 Wrightbus (UK) <\/p> <\/p>"}
, "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4142", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Guy Opperman"}
}
, "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Hexham"}
, "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Guy Opperman"}
, "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2024-05-21", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "true", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "previousAnswerVersion" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1718898/answer/previousversion/35513", "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4142", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Guy Opperman"}
}
, "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Hexham"}
, "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Guy Opperman"}
}
, "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2024-05-21T15:07:02.007Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
], "questionFirstMinisteriallyCorrected" : [{"_value" : "2024-05-23T08:23:41.937Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
]}
, "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "27"}
, "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Transport"}
, "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Transport"}
, "date" : {"_value" : "2024-05-16", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Buses: Carbon Emissions"}
, "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"}
, "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"}
}
], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 18 April 2024 to Question 21868 on Buses: Carbon Emissions, how many and what proportion of the buses allocated funding under the Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas scheme 1 (a) are on the road in each local transport authority and (b) (i) have been and (ii) will be manufactured in the UK.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4943", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Simon Lightwood"}
}
, "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Wakefield"}
, "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Simon Lightwood"}
], "uin" : "26803"}
, {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1718257", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Transport"}
], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1718257/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : " The Department publishes data for all operators on the amount of compensation paid by them as a result of train delays. The total refunded to passengers for each financial year 2019/20 to 2022/23 can be found on the Government website at the following link:<\/p> <\/p>5,200<\/del> 2,200<\/ins> buses across England.<\/p>
Irizar (Spain)<\/p><\/td><\/tr>
6 \u2013 Pelican/Yutong\u202f(UK/China)<\/p><\/td><\/tr>
Bus manufacturer for remaining buses subject to outcome of procurement process by local transport authority or bus operator.<\/p><\/td><\/tr>
Alexander Dennis Ltd (UK)<\/p><\/td><\/tr>
23\u202f\u2013 Pelican/Yutong\u202f(UK/China)<\/p><\/td><\/tr>
15 \u2013 Mercedes (Germany)<\/p><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>