BUSES WY

I am writing to you today because I am extremely concerned about the risk posed to our buses if West Yorkshire’s network is left in private hands after COVID. While most places in the world have their bus network under public control, our buses are deregulated. That means private companies set their own fares, routes and standards. The result has been a <a href="https://yorkshirebylines.co.uk/buses-top-the-agenda-as-west-yorkshire-heads-to-the-polls/">60% drop in bus passenger journeys since 1986.</a> Private companies will always choose to protect the profits over passengers. In 2019 alone, <a href="https://www.tuc.org.uk/news/public-control-buses-will-support-jobs-and-recovery-says-tuc">54 local bus routes</a> in our region were lost or reduced. If we leave the network in private hands the cuts after COVID could be <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leeds-56979976">devastating.</a> The Government is pushing West Yorkshire towards an Enhanced Partnership Scheme (EPS). An EPS relies on operators making voluntary improvements in return for greater public spending. I know that an EPS cannot deliver the change my friends and family need. Most importantly the truly cheap, integrated and smart ticketing local people need <a href="https://www.centreforcities.org/reader/improving-urban-bus-services/how-franchising-enables-mayors-to-deliver-a-high-quality-bus-service/">can only be delivered under public control.</a> Similarly, only public control allows the network to be coordinated and cross-subsidised effectively, ensuring no community is left behind as private companies cut the network to the bone. I was delighted to see Tracy Brabin elected Mayor last week on her pledge to bring buses into public control in West Yorkshire. She also said she would <a href="https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/news/local-news/tracy-brabins-message-voters-west-20501880">start an investigation into public control in her first 100 days.</a> This policy is very popular with residents of West Yorkshire, with over <a href="https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/news/local-news/poll-shows-west-yorkshire-voters-20523772">80% of those</a> who have an opinion wanting the policy to be implemented by the Mayor. You have an important role in directing and influencing local transport policy. I am appealing to you to please do everything you can to support Tracy Brabin in her pledge and deliver better buses for my community. At this Friday’s transport committee meeting, you will be asked to “provide views to inform a paper to the Combined Authority on the 24th June recommending issuing the Notice [of Intent for Enhanced Partnership] ahead of the Government’s deadline.” I’m asking you today to feed in a different view to the Combined Authority paper - <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1K1UpkkayrZ3-jw3AwXwC44RNNGxMBqCawXwNPIn5YIY/edit?usp=sharing">here's a briefing to explain more.</a> I’m asking you to push for the statutory investigation into public control to be launched before the June deadline. But don’t stop there! I want you to go even further and ask that every available avenue to avoid committing to an EPS is explored. Liverpool City Region has been allowed to retain funding without an EPS because of the work it has already done on public control. There is a very strong argument to be made that the initial investigations that WYCA has already undertaken could mean the same here. This could avoid the need for an EPS and give us the radical improvements we desperately need. This is the bold action you must take to save our buses. I'm counting on you.

It's time to win Better Buses for West Yorkshire!

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