Will Mayor Claire Ward improve our bus services?

A new group has been formed to campaign for better bus services in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire. Better Buses East Midlands is calling on Mayor Claire Ward to use her new powers to take buses back under public control.

They say bus services are in crisis following deregulation in 1986 (apart from Nottingham where the main bus operator is owned by the Council). Cuts to vital services have left many people locked out of jobs and opportunities, unable to visit friends or family, or forced to buy cars.

They want the Mayor to assess the business case for reregulation and consult the public so that action can be taken before her current term ends in 2028.

Launching the petition for Better Buses East Midlands outside the Mayor's office,

Lisa Hopkinson said: "Now finally we have the chance to turn this around. Mayors of Combined Authorities can take our buses back into public control. The next few years are crucial. The government has committed to making reregulation of buses easier for Mayors."

Chrissy Grocott said: "The Mayor needs to start the process of assessing the business case and consulting on reregulation of buses so that she can deliver it before her term ends in 2028. This is a once-in-generation opportunity to end the chaos caused by bus deregulation and ensure that public money is used to provide the services that we need."

Anne Robinson said: "Good to hear Mayor Claire is going to undertake a whole network review of bus services in the East Midlands Region. Not so good that she has ruled out franchising saying 'it may not provide the best solution for this area'. How can she know the best solution without making an assessment of all reasonable options?"

Richard Dyer from Friends of the Earth said: "The Mayor pledged to use her powers, funding and influence to tackle the climate and nature emergency and build a fairer society for all. Delivering brilliant bus services should mean everyone has efficient, reliable, affordable options to access employment, education and leisure and is a vital and urgent priority."

The group has also prepared a Bus Franchising FAQ with lots of evidence on why public control of buses is better. It will means bus routes can be planned to serve our communities' needs and connect seamlessly with trains; improvements in bus frequency and reliability; reduced fares and one simple, affordable ticket across all buses - like Greater Manchester is now doing.