Member

I welcome the Minister’s constructive engagement as we have discussed setting standards to increase ridership through statutory guidance on stopping places. We have also discussed franchising guidance and being clear that it is not enough just to consult current passengers—we need would-be passengers, too. After all, we need more people on buses, and everything we do has to be about encouraging more passengers. More farebox means better services overall. On that note, I thank Grant Palmer for what it did in Dunstable recently, and I also thank the Dawsongroup for bringing a bus to Parliament as part of Catch the Bus Month. This September, I wish all Members and you, Madam Deputy Speaker, a very happy Catch the Bus Month.