SOUTH YORKSHIRE MAYOR: BORIS ‘ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL’ OVER BUS FUNDING

Published 28 February 2022 at 12:00pm

Mayor Dan Jarvis, MPs and local council leaders in South Yorkshire have accused the Prime Minister Boris Johnson of being asleep at the wheel, as government support to keep the region’s bus services running nears an end.

Emergency funding to maintain services during Covid-19 will end on 31 March. Local leaders gathered at Olive Grove Depot in Sheffield on Monday morning to highlight the impact this will have in South Yorkshire – and urged to PM to ‘wake up’ to the impending disaster.

A failure to continue support could mean 50% of buses running across South Yorkshire face being scaled back or cut completely. The Government has also halved the £3 billion funding available to its flagship Bus Back Better policy, a plan to level up bus services outside of London.

Mayor of South Yorkshire Dan Jarvis said:

“The Prime Minister has a bad track record when it comes to keeping his promises and buses – and he is asleep at the wheel as South Yorkshire’s services face disaster.

“Local leaders and I have invested millions to keep South Yorkshire moving and cut fares, while exploring every option to transform our network. This week, the MCA will consider whether to start a formal investigation of bus franchising.

“I’ve pressed operators to put passengers before profit and reconsider damaging cuts, but the Government’s failure to level up bus funding will fatally undermine our efforts to give South Yorkshire the bus service we need and deserve.”

Louise Haigh MP for Sheffield Heeley said:

“The Tories in Westminster simply don't understand how many people are totally reliant on buses on a daily basis. If our buses aren't reliable and affordable, it means people are stopped from getting to work, to medical appointments and seeing friends and family. Lots of people can't just hop in a car if their services are slashed. Equally, they can’t just find the extra cash if fares rise.

“Boris Johnson made a promise of a great bus service for everyone, and once again, he and his government are showing that you can't believe a word he says.

“Passengers want a reliable, affordable bus service. They were promised transformation but instead, with this government they are getting managed decline."