City Regions: Connectivity

Lisa Smart, the Member of Parliament for Hazel Grove, asked the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport, Simon Lightwood, about the steps the Department is taking to improve transport connectivity within city regions. In response, the Minister stated that the Government is making a five-year, £5.7 billion investment to improve the transport networks of eight city regions between 2022-23 and 2026-27 through the city region sustainable transport settlements. He also mentioned that the Government has announced plans to introduce an English devolution Bill, which, alongside major bus and rail reforms, will equip mayors with the powers and influence they need to create an integrated local transport network and improve local transport in their area. Lisa Smart followed up, highlighting the challenges her constituents in Hazel Grove face when traveling within the city region, as they must rely on the bus network when moving around the constituency, in addition to the issues with the train service. She asked the Minister to provide clarity on funding for the bus model in Greater Manchester, so that the 10 constituent local authorities are not burdened with paying the price for keeping the £2 bus fare cap. The Minister acknowledged the work being done in Greater Manchester through the Bee Network, noting the 5% increase in passenger numbers and improved bus reliability since its implementation. He stated that the question of funding for the future will be part of the upcoming spending review. Nick Smith, the Member of Parliament for Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney, raised the issue of the Government's decision to cancel the restoring your railway programme due to the need to restore control over public spending. He asked the Minister to consider the development of the Abertillery spur on the Ebbw Vale to Cardiff line as the Transport Secretary reviews infrastructure projects. The Minister responded by stating that the Government is reviewing a number of infrastructure projects in light of the financial situation, which he attributed to the "terrible damage inflicted on this country by the Opposition." Paul Kohler, the Liberal Democrat spokesperson and Member of Parliament for Wimbledon, then raised concerns about the connectivity issues in his constituency, including repeated track and signal failures on the District line and the aging rolling stock and decreased frequency of service on South Western Railway. He asked the Minister what the Government is planning to do to address the capital funding crisis in London's transport system and requested a meeting to discuss the problems affecting the District line and South Western trains. The Minister acknowledged the Government's commitment to supporting London and its transport network, stating that they are working with the Mayor of London on funding plans to provide value for money and lasting benefits to the public. He expressed his willingness to meet with the Member of Parliament to discuss these matters.