Bus routes halved since 2011 – Labour

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Millions of people rely on these essential services, but they are being left without a voice as routes are cut back year after year Louise Haigh, shadow transport secretary Louise Haigh, Labour’s shadow transport secretary, said: “The staggering decline in local bus services under this Government is nothing short of vandalism against our communities. “Labour’s plans will put passengers first by allowing communities to take back control over their bus services.” In response, a DfT spokesperson said: “It’s misleading to equate these figures directly with changes in the number of bus routes, when the Government has invested £3.5 billion since 2020 to back our buses. “While Labour’s fare hikes are discouraging bus use, the Conservatives are backing bus users by capping fares at £2 on over 5,000 bus routes and delivering record investment into our bus sector, keeping prices down as we halve inflation and grow the economy.” Labour has pledged to give all local transport authorities more powers to choose routes and reduce fares. Bus operators are facing challenging economic conditions with industry costs up by 17% over the last year, according to CPT research Graham Vidler, Confederation of Passenger Transport Graham Vidler, chief executive of the Confederation of Passenger Transport, a trade association representing the bus and coach sector, said: “Bus remains the nation’s most popular type of public transport and passenger numbers are increasing year-on-year by over 10%.