Funding Boost For Bus Services

Councils across the HFM region have been handed millions of pounds to improve bus services.

The government has awarded Leicestershire County Council over £8.1m, North Northamptonshire Council is getting 5.2m and £5.4 has been given to West Northamptonshire Council.

Buses outside the Market Hall in Market Harborough

The funding is part of a wider initiative focused on ensuring better bus services and protecting current ones, particularly in rural areas.

Passengers who spoke to HFM in Market Harborough welcomed the cash injection and told us what they would like to see the money spent on:

Cllr Ozzy O’Shea, cabinet member for highways and transport at Leicestershire County Council said: “This government funding is very welcome, and it means we can continue to assess the needs of Leicestershire on a local level and secure public transport services at least over the next couple of years.

“However, our Bus Service Improvement plan has set out the ambitions we want to achieve for more sustainable services across the county in the medium to long term. To achieve this, and ultimately create stability in the market, multi-year settlements from the government would be further welcomed.”

Buses outside the Market Hall in Market Harborough

Cllr Phil Larratt, West Northamptonshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: “Buses are an essential service for our residents, providing access to employment, education, healthcare, and social activities.

“The Council welcomes financial support from the government and we await information concerning the terms of this funding.

“We expect to be able to invest in bus service improvements in alignment with our published Bus Service Improvement Plan.”