Bridget Phillipson MP and colleagues call for Quality Contracts for local buses

All twelve Tyne and Wear MPs have written to the members of the North East Combined Authority calling on them to vote in support of establishing the country’s first regulated transport system outside of London since 1986.

On Tuesday 21st October, council leaders will be asked to vote to either establish a Quality Contract Scheme or a Voluntary Partnership.

A Quality Contract Scheme will bring £272 million in economic benefits to the region, protect bus routes vital to communities, ensure long-term investment and deliver a simple fare system with Oyster-style smart ticketing.

The bus operators preferred option, a voluntary agreement, would not deliver these changes.

Bridget Phillipson MP, who has been leading the campaign, said:

“Improving our transport network is an important way to support growth and job creation.

I’ve heard from too many constituents who struggle to get to work, older people who tell me how difficult it can be to get to hospital and residents who are left cut off and isolated on an evening.

“The members of the Combined Authority have a clear choice when they meet on Tuesday.

They can either maintain the status quo where bus operators funnel profits out of our region or support real and lasting change with a Quality Contract Scheme.

If a regulated transport system is good enough for our capital city then it’s good enough for the people of Tyne and Wear.”

The MPs letter to the North East Combined Authority can be found below: