Ivan Golden’s Post

The new Buses Bill - to be introduced into Parliament today - promises to enable communities to take control so as to deliver improved bus networks which are faster and cheaper. Enabling local authorities to set up publicly-owned bus companies, with greater flexibility over bus funding and improving bus services for communities that do not choose to exercise greater public control are also features in today's reforms.

This is a welcome step towards better buses. And I’m relieved to see a transport secretary write these words: “Whever you live, whatever age you are, buses can be a lifeline. Whether that’s getting to school or work; seeing friends or the doctor – buses are the lifeblood of communities and the engines of opportunity. They can be the difference between aspiration and isolation; between getting on or being forced to give up. I’ve heard countless stories from people let down, of communities cut off, about opportunities missed, all due to poor bus services. I know how much this matters.” This won’t solve all the issues facing our bus network, particularly in rural areas, but alongside the promised push toward better integrated transport its clearly a step in the right direction. #transport #publictransport #buses https://lnkd.in/e_jKdDeu

The first step in reforming the provision of buses across England. The amendment to the guidance, and the Buses Bill in due course, will be key to driving the governments agenda to widen and accelerate the roll out of franchise services by local transport authorities. It is good to see the Department for Transport (DfT), United Kingdom is building capacity to support local transport authorities. The DfT, LTAs and the industry will need to ensure that reform can be achieved in an efficient and effective way as possible, along with ensuring consistency for LTAs and the market, whilst being flexible for local circumstances. #busreform https://lnkd.in/eSR_i6U6

🚆Last week, our Policy & Impact Officer Gemma Edwards attended the West Midlands Trains conference detailing the latest rail updates across the region. This included news on the following: 🔴 Reducing harassment on public transport - West Midlands Trains have gained White Ribbon UK accreditation and passengers can use the Railway Guardian app to report unwanted behaviour and share your location with trusted contacts. 🟡 Train driver workforce and reform - Each operator has different rules for their drivers. A new pay deal has been agreed, but it remains to be seen if that will help negotiate changes to work contract terms and conditions. 🟢 Rail and economic opportunity - By enabling people to travel to work, transport is an enabler of economic growth. It also provides investment in infrastructure and growth, and in turn, social value. Find out more ➡️ loom.ly/p2zKGzA #BusiinessIsDoneBetterTogether #BusinessSupport #UKrail Steve Salt

Councils to be given more control over buses #BusesBill #PublicControl #TransportAuthority #LocalBusServices #BetterPublicTransport #CommunityConnectivity #SustainableTravel #SupportLocalLeaders #ImprovingPublicServices #DeregulationReform #AccessibleTransport #YourLocalBusServices

"Those kinds of decisions should absolutely be made at a local level by communities and not dictated to or stoked up by the centre." Alongside a welcome move away from "culture wars", to my mind this is exactly what grown up government should look like for #transportplanners. Now, just need more long term certainty and devolution of funding and we'll be flying. #transportplanning

🚍 Buses Buses Buses 🚍 📣 King's Speech: The UK's new Labour government will strengthen England's recent focus on improving bus services through a new "Better Buses Bill". The Better Buses Bill will lift restrictions on new publicly owned bus operators and give local leaders throughout England new powers to plan networks that better serve local communities. Podaris is a transport planning platform used by local authority officers and consultants across the UK to plan and analyse better bus services. An easy-to-use interface allows officers to directly answer key questions and ensure that interventions meet residents' needs in the most equitable way. Get in touch today to join the likes of leading authorities, such as: 💛 Liverpool City Region Combined Authority using Podaris to support their transition to a franchised network; 🌳 Gloucestershire County Council that uses Podaris to support their innovative demand-responsive service, the Robin; and 🏖 East Sussex County Council who uses Podaris to support its Enhanced Partnership and Bus Priority Schemes https://lnkd.in/eJ93vgMZ Department for Transport (DfT), United Kingdom #KingsSpeech #BetterBusesBill #PublicTransport

You cannot encourage people to use and rely on public transport while cutting public transport. Before setting up LEZs ensure that you have an adequate public transport system. This is why public transport should be in public hands not private. #publictransport #stagecoach #service #reduction #scotland https://lnkd.in/euwYQNcT

Bus subsides generally benefit lower-income households, but the (much larger) rail subsidies benefit higher-income households because they are the ones that use them most. Redressing the imbalance between bus and rail subsidies is called for. https://lnkd.in/es9v6Xim

ScotRail passengers are facing significant travel disruptions this Sunday due to a combination of engineering works and a pay dispute with train drivers. ScotRail has halved its Sunday timetable, operating only 50-60% of its usual services. Over 500 train services have been canceled, and some routes will be replaced by buses (JourneyCheck) (STV News). Engineering works are affecting services between Glasgow Queen Street and several destinations, including Anniesland, Linlithgow, Alloa, and Crianlarich. Buses will replace trains on these routes, leading to longer travel times and larger gaps between services. Passengers are advised to plan ahead and check the ScotRail app for the latest updates (STV News). ScotRail's service delivery director, Mark Ilderton, emphasized the importance of planning ahead and allowing extra time for journeys. The company is working to resolve the pay dispute with the Aslef and RMT unions, which has exacerbated the disruption (JourneyCheck) (STV News). For real-time updates and detailed information on service alterations, passengers should check the ScotRail app or website. #ScotRail #TravelDisruption #TrainUpdates #EngineeringWorks #RailStrike @ScotRail Stay informed and plan accordingly to minimize the impact on your travel plans.