Letter for Metro Mayor Dan Norris - Intended for WECA Committee 14.06.24

My name is Anna Mounteney, and I write on behalf of Reclaim Our Buses, a campaign dedicated to improving public transport in the West of England, especially our crucial bus services.

Since addressing this committee in March 2024, significant developments have emerged, most notably the upcoming general election. If you, our Metro Mayor Dan Norris, are successful in your plans to be an MP while continuing as Metro Mayor, we see an opportunity in raising the issue of our local buses at the national level.  Given Labour’s positive commitments to enabling bus franchising, we hope that this would enable smoother and faster progress toward this key objective. 

We understand that the current limitations in precepting powers have made it challenging to address regional transport issues. However, if you are elected for North East Somerset and Hanham, you will be closer to gaining these powers and advancing bus franchising. Given the strong public support reflected in recent polls, we believe that public control of buses should be a central pillar of your campaign, as this is a unique opportunity to bring about transformative change for the West of England and establish a lasting legacy.

The people of the West of England suffer daily from a failing public transport system. We face a severe lack of bus infrastructure, with inadequate bus lanes and stops lacking basic amenities like timetables and seating. The issue of 'ghost buses'—buses that never turn up—leads to acute unreliability and distrust in the bus system. This creates a negative spiral where declining bus usage signals further reductions in service quality. Our bus system needs refreshing, and your national counterparts in Liverpool, Manchester, and Yorkshire have set a shining example by implementing franchising.

Furthermore, franchising aligns with Labour policy, as demonstrated by your party’s shadow transport secretary Louise Haigh, and Mayors Andy Burnham and Tracey Brabin. Your colleagues here, such as Kerry McCarthy, Damien Egan, and Thangam Debbonaire, have also vocalised their support to us.

Public transport and services should never be a pawn in politicking. Unfortunately, schemes like the Westlink and Westlocal have appeared to be just that. The problems surrounding these initiatives are a warning that patchwork solutions will not lead to efficiency or sustainability. Creating fair and accessible transport is about building a long-term future centred on accessibility. This means funds must be ring-fenced, and WECA's unique ability to secure government money must be optimised. This not only leads to a better quality of life but also to a more vibrant economy of mobile workers and consumers.

We have consistently asked for an in-depth report on franchising in the West of England and have received empty promises. Over the past months, we have engaged with numerous MPs across the political spectrum who are ready and waiting to implement the transport changes that the West of England so vitally needs. With the Green pressure here in Bristol, I am sure this is no surprise. Public transport is a key concern for voters here.

Mayor Norris, now is the time for leadership. We would like you to accept the challenge wholeheartedly and commit real resources to a report, or be prepared to lose regional support. We are ready to help you make a difference. The future of our region's public transport—and your legacy—depends on it.

Your continued leadership can transform our region's mobility.