Ben Howlett, the MP for Bath, has supported the Bus Service Bill’s second reading in the House of Commons, hoping to transform local bus services for passengers.
The Bill is looking to improve efficiency through partnership working, providing far better information to bus passengers, and introducing new franchising powers which gives decisions about which bus routes operate to the local authority or in the case of B&NES, will reside with the newly elected West of England Mayor.
This is akin to the system that operates successfully through Transport for London.
The Bill will also improve accessibility of buses to disabled residents, in particular blind or partially sighted passengers.
The Guide Dogs Talking Buses campaign has been instrumental in ensuring audio visual equipment is installed on all buses. MP Ben Howlett is passionate about improving accessibility for disabled residents in Bath and last year undertook a blindfold walk with a guide dog to better understand some of the issues partially sighted and blind residents face walking around Bath.
Speaking in support of the Bill in the House of Commons, Ben said: “Many of my constituents have made representations to me in support of Guide Dogs Talking Buses Campaign, which asks for audio-visual equipment to be installed on all buses to ensure that more people, no matter whether they have a disability, can rely on buses with confidence.
“For people with a visual impairment, getting on a bus is one of the most difficult things, and I know that the Minister has been working hard on this area, as has the entire Department. The Bill takes this issue into consideration, which is incredibly welcome.
“Without this equipment, passengers with sight loss have to ask the bus driver to tell them when to get off and they run the risk of missing a stop, which can be distressing and potentially dangerous.”
Tim Bowles, Conservative candidate for the West of England Mayor, said: “I support the Buses Bill and, if elected, I will work with Ben and our region’s MPs to develop a high quality bus network across the whole West of England region.
“Our more vulnerable residents depend on bus services and we also want to encourage people who usually drive to take public transport to cut congestion and pollution.
“That is why it is important to provide better information and improve the quality and reliability of services. We also need to set new standards for operators and introduce a smart ticketing system.”