overthewater
Established Member
- Joined
- 16 Apr 2012
- Messages
- 8,179
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-29839181
I can't see this happening. I personnel don't want stupid councillors operating buses again.Ed Miliband will promise later that a Labour government would grant cities and regions greater powers to improve bus services across England.
The Labour leader will say cities and counties should be able to set bus fares and routes and integrate them with local tram and rail services.
He will say that bus services outside London currently "fail to serve the public interest".
Labour's plans could mean more Oyster card-style travel outside London.
Greater Manchester is already rolling out its "get me there" travel card across its Metrolink trams.
Devolving power
Labour says Mr Miliband's pledge to improve bus provision outside London is part of his plan to ensure that the benefits of economic recovery are felt beyond London.
He will also pledge further decentralisation of powers to the English regions with an English Devolution Act, and to continue devolving power to Scotland and Wales from Westminster.
If he were to become prime minister, Mr Miliband says he will chair regular meetings of a new English Regional Cabinet Committee, to be attended by relevant secretaries of state and city and county leaders.
In a speech in Manchester, he will say: "For too long, powers to regulate and integrate bus services have been enjoyed only by London.
"For too long, the other regions of England have been unable to plan ahead or join up their transport networks to help secure the prosperity they need."
He will say ordinary working people have been let down by the deregulated bus system.
"Labour will legislate so that city and county regions can set fares, decide routes, and integrate bus services with trams, trains and the wider public transport network.
"Bus services and public transport should be the arteries that keep our regional economics moving, our roads less clogged with cars, and working people travelling to where businesses need them.
"We will put the public interest back on our buses."