RUGBY’S MP has called on Warwickshire County Council to improve bus services in the town.
John Slinger has written a public letter to Warwickshire County Council urging improved services to and from the Hospital of St Cross, a shuttle service linking Rugby train station to the town centre, and increased frequency.
Mr Slinger has asked the council how it will use powers proposed under the government’s Buses Bill to deliver better bus services.
In his letter, he said: “I have many messages from constituents telling me that they are at the end of their tether regarding the state of the bus services they rely on in Rugby.
“I urge you to work closely with district authorities, charities, NGOs, community groups, and local councillors to make full use of the new powers now available to improve local transport.
“I ask that you focus on delivering routes and services that meet the needs of vulnerable residents, including young people – especially those who cannot afford a car – and older people, who often tell me that inadequate bus infrastructure limits their independence and ability to live fully.
The Buses Bill, introduced to Parliament this month, will expand the power to ‘franchise’ bus services to all local authorities, giving them greater control over routes, fares and service levels and reversing the ban on publicly owned bus companies.
Mr Slinger said the legislation would ‘end the postcode lottery of Britain’s broken buses’.
He added: “I know what matters to residents; I too want to see Warwickshire County Council take these powers being given to them by the government and use them to improve services locally.
“I am campaigning for improved hospital connections, a shuttle linking Rugby station to the town centre, and increased frequency.
“Rugby deserves better than the current appalling postcode lottery of bus quality. I’m concerned that the Reform-led County Council is only now appointing a cabinet member for transport – an issue that affects everyone in our borough. It shows exactly where their priorities lie.
“People across Rugby are tired of unreliable, overcrowded and infrequent bus services holding them back from opportunity.”
A Warwickshire County Council spokesperson said: “In response to the Buses Bill, County Council officers are undertaking a strategic assessment which considers the possible options for future bus network delivery in Warwickshire, including franchising – covering the entire county or a set route/area – and variations of EP arrangements.
“This work will support any future decision-making within the County Council on the right bus network delivery model for Warwickshire.”
Mr Slinger is continuing to run a survey for residents to suggest ways of improving local bus services. Visit https://survey.labour.org.uk/betterbuses to take part.
