Reliable, affordable bus services are not a luxury but a lifeline for many, particularly here in Mid Cheshire.
Last week I was delighted to see the announcement that Sunday and Bank Holiday bus services are being introduced to Middlewich, Winsford and Northwich.
Both Cheshire West and Chester and Cheshire East councils have received their share of the Government’s £3 billion Better Buses funding which, in partnership with operators, will provide new weekend travel options and better links to employment, education, healthcare and leisure across the county.
This is something that many of you have raised with me through casework, surgery appointments, on the doorstep and at my coffee mornings.
I have met with officers from Cheshire West and Chester Council several times to discuss how funding from the Department for Transport would be used for improvements to bus services and advocated strongly for these changes, as well as new services from Winsford to Chester.
I’m particularly pleased with the enhanced bus link to Leighton Hospital and will continue to keep pushing for improved public transport links across Mid Cheshire.
This is just the start of reversing years of decline in our services and a reminder that reliable, affordable bus services are a vital part of our transport network.
This funding provides a real opportunity to deliver the kind of reliable, accessible services our area deserves.
For too long, many residents have faced limited routes, infrequent timetables, and rising costs that make simply getting from A to B more difficult than it should be.
Given current world events and the spike in fuel prices, I am certain many people who are not reliant on public transport may wish to turn to such services to reduce their car use to save money and fuel.
There will be those also mindful of their impact on the environment who would also like to turn to public transport as an alternative way of getting about.
Better buses are not just about convenience, and it is vital that funding is used effectively to ensure our transport system works for everyone in our community.
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