Thank you for contacting me about public transport.
I know the Government is committed to improving public transport links and I am assured that Ministers recognise the important role that public transport will play as we decarbonise the transport sector.
That is why I welcome the Government's commitment in 2020 to deliver £5 billion of new investment in buses, cycling and walking over 5 years. As part of this, the Autumn Budget included £710 million of new investment in active travel funding over the next three years. This will deliver hundreds of miles of high quality, segregated cycle lanes, provide cycle training for every child and deliver an e-bike support programme to make cycling more accessible.
The Prime Minister also launched a National Bus Strategy in 2021, the most ambitious shake-up of the bus sector in a generation. In time, the strategy will deliver lower, simpler flat fares in towns and cities, turn-up-and-go services on main routes and new flexible services to reconnect communities. And at the Autumn Budget, the Chancellor committed £1.2 billion for bus transformation deals to deliver London-style services, fares and infrastructure improvements around the UK. A further £355 million of new funding was also allocated for zero emission buses.
To complement this, I know the Government will invest over £35 billion in rail investment over the spending review period to improve passenger journeys and connectivity across the country. But we must go further. That is why the Transport Secretary has outlined plans to establish a new body, Great British Railways, to bring an end to years of fragmentation, confusion and over-complication. These reforms will improve journeys for passengers by providing punctual and reliable services, simpler tickets and a modern, green and innovative railway that meets the needs of the nation.
We have seen hugely significant government investment locally in Network Rail's work at Dawlish to protect our vital railway line from the sea for the next 100 years, even in the face of rising sea levels. Alongside this investment, I am continuing to campaign for the Government's Bus Strategy to fully understand and cater for the unique and complex public transport needs of rural communities. We must have services that are reliable, affordable and take passengers where they need to go even from our more remote communities.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.
