Rachel writes to Bus Minister in support of local services | Rachel Maclean Skip to main content
Rachel Maclean MP
for Redditch & the Villages

Main navigation

  • Home
  • About Rachel
  • Campaigns
  • News
  • In Parliament
  • Contact
Rachel Maclean MP
for Redditch & the Villages

Rachel writes to Bus Minister in support of local services

  • Tweet
Tuesday, 21 June, 2022
Buses

Rachel has written to the Bus Minister as part of her mission to do everything she can to support local bus services

It follows a recent meeting Rachel had with Cllr Mike Rouse, Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Highways and Transport on Worcestershire County Council, and representatives from Diamond Bus.

In her letter, Rachel acknowledges the significant challenges facing bus operators, including the impact of passenger numbers remaining far below pre-pandemic levels.

Rachel said:

“I know bus operators may have to make some very difficult decisions, and I’m very much aware of the impact this could have on services in Redditch and the understandable concern and worry this has caused.

“I’m not going to sit by whilst my constituents worry about how they will get to work or to their GP appointments. I can absolutely assure them that I am doing everything I can to support local bus services.

“Working closely with Cllr Mike Rouse, we will leave no stone unturned in our mission to safeguard bus services in Redditch and across Worcestershire.

To support public transport throughout the pandemic, the Government provided bus and light rail operators with an unprecedented package of support totalling £2 billion.

“One local bus operator has said that this Government has supported the bus sector more than any other in the past 36 years,” Rachel added.

Following her recent meeting with Cllr Rouse and Diamond Bus where it was revealed bus passenger numbers are still down on pre-pandemic levels, Rachel encouraged residents to try taking the bus if they can.

“I’ve been criticised for encouraging people to get back on the buses and use the services provided by Diamond Bus,” Rachel added.

“But let’s be clear. Those sitting on the side lines having a go at me for this would be the first ones to complain if no bus company was prepared to run services in Redditch at all.

“I’m absolutely aware of service issues, but in my dealings with Diamond Bus I’ve found them to be nothing but constructive and cordial in trying to address any problems I raise with them.”

You may also be interested in

Rachel with County Councillor Mike Rouse

Improving Transport

Since I was first elected, I have been holding the bus operators in Redditch to account.

Undoubtedly Redditch’s bus service needs improving, and I’m working with the Government and our County Council to achieve this.

 

  • Local News
Rachel with Pete Martin

Rachel donates bleed kit to local campaign

Monday, 6 February, 2023

Rachel has donated to local ‘hero’ Pete Martin’s campaign to purchase and distribute bleed kits across the town.

The town’s MP recently met with Pete to discuss his ongoing work to tackle knife crime in Redditch, including the bleed kits he’s encouraging local businesses to install.

Show only

  • Articles
  • Local News
  • Media
  • Opinions
  • Westminster News

Rachel Maclean MP for Redditch and the Villages

Footer

  • About RSS
  • Accessibility
  • Cookies
  • Privacy
  • About Rachel Maclean
  • In Parliament
  • Redditch Mentors Scheme
ConservativesPromoted by Joshua Godfrey on behalf of Rachel Maclean, both of Grosvenor House, Prospect Hill, Redditch, B97 4DL. In line with data protection regulations, Rachel Maclean's office processes constituents’ data for policy and casework purposes under the lawful basis of public task. In instances where this lawful basis is not sufficient and explicit consent is required, a member of staff will get in touch with you to establish consent.
Copyright 2023 Rachel Maclean MP for Redditch and the Villages. All rights reserved.
Powered by Bluetree