The Conservative Government has commenced its Network North Plan by investing £150 million to improve bus services across the North and Midlands. The allocation to the Greater Manchester Combined Authority is £16,309,000 and the authority and bus operators will be able to decide how to use the funding.
The Government has also announced a 60% funding boost for community services for older people and vulnerable passengers. These services are vital for older and vulnerable people to get to the shops, medical appointments and see family and friends. The funding increase will help keep fares down and is aimed at vulnerable passengers who have difficulty using regular buses and rely on community services to get around and combat loneliness.
Conservative candidate in the Bucklow-St. Martins by-election, Paull Lally said “Taking the bus is the most popular form of public transport, which is why the Conservative Government’s funding boost is very welcome news for passengers in Partingon, Carrington, Sale West and across Trafford.
“If elected at the by-election, I will use my influence to lobby the Combined Authority and bus operators to ensure that funding is used to increase local evening services and to increase the frequency of buses to and from isolated areas of Trafford, especially the Bucklow-St. Martins ward.”
