Rural communities can not be left stranded.

​For too many people living in our villages and market towns, the local bus isn’t just a vehicle, a lifeline. But across the country, those lifelines are being frayed or cut entirely, leaving residents feeling isolated and ignored.

Liberal Democrat MPs have seen firsthand how the lack of reliable services impact on rural constituents. 

​​"In areas like mine, poor transport links leave older residents, young people and those without a car cut off from shops, appointments, work and friends," "These are lifelines for rural communities. Many people who can't drive... really rely on these services and it's critical for rural communities that they are maintained." Calum Miller MP 

The Problem: Short-term Thinking & Broken Funding
​The current system of "stop-start" funding has failed our countryside. Local councils are currently forced to navigate a maze of different funding pots that often run out just as a service becomes popular.

The Liberal Democrats are calling for a radical shift in how we fund our infrastructure:
​"I think what we need to see is longer term funding from national government... We need five-year planning rather than shorter term planning so that the real investment can be made." Calum Miller MP 

​The Liberal Democrats would replace these multiple, confusing funding streams with one integrated fund. This would give local authorities the power to expand services and make the vital switch to zero-emission vehicles, backed by extended programmes to help operators go green.

​Empowering Local Communities
​We believe local people know their roads better than Whitehall bureaucrats. That’s why our policy is to boost bus services by giving local authorities more powers to franchise services. By simplifying the process, we can restore lost routes and add new ones exactly where the local need is greatest.

​Where conventional big buses aren't viable, the Liberal Democrats want to see innovation and atev strong advocate for on-demand services.

​"We need to be exploring more services... which are, if you like, demand-led, where they're responding to the needs of the community. We can make better use of technology to allow people to book onto services... taking people from point to point so they can connect to other services." Calum Miller MP 

Making Travel Affordable for Everyone
​In the midst of a cost-of-living crisis, the price of a ticket shouldn't be a barrier to getting to work or school. The Liberal Democrats are clear: we must restore the £2 cap on bus fares while a full review of fares is conducted.
​The Liberal Democrats are also putting forward a bold plan to support the next generation:

​Half-fares for 18-year-olds: Extending discounted travel across buses, trams, and trains.
​The ‘Young Person’s Buscard’: Working with operators to give 19- to 25-year-olds a third off bus and tram fares—finally bringing bus travel in line with the Railcard system.

"As Liberal Democrats, we've called for the government to go back to the £2 bus cap, which would really help people at this time of cost of living pressures, and would allow more people to get back on the buses and be able to access them more freely."​ Calum Miller MP 

 It’s Time for Action
​We cannot allow our rural towns to become "transport deserts." Whether it’s a young person trying to get to their first job or an elderly resident heading to a GP appointment, everyone deserves the freedom to move.
"The Government needs to get serious about rural transport." Calum Miller MP 

​The Liberal Democrats will keep up the pressure until every community has the reliable, affordable, and green bus services they deserve.

​Do you think your local bus service needs an upgrade? Share your thoughts in the comments below! 👇

​#LiberalDemocrats #CalumMiller #RuralTransport #SaveOurBuses #GreenTravel #BusFareCap #CommunityFirst

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