Jim Dobbin MP calls for better bus services

Jim Dobbin MP

Jim Dobbin MP says: "It's time for better local bus services in Heywood, Middleton, Castleton, Norden and Bamford.

“Buses are a lifeline to many people in my constituency but in the twenty years since the deregulation of buses we have seen the standard of services fall.

“Many of the people of Heywood , Middleton, Castleton, Norden and Bamford write to me or speak to me of the problems they face day in, day out just trying to go about their daily lives. This is why I am delighted that the government are taking action to get better bus services in the borough.

"The plan is to give our local authority more power to tailor the relationship they have with private bus operators. This will include more co-operation over routes, timetables and fares so that the service is better for customers.

"Two-thirds of all public transport journeys are taken by bus. Buses are not just vital now, they are also a key way in which we can tackle congestion and improve the environment in the future.

"This isn’t just a transport issue. For the people I represent in Heywood and Middleton, Castleton, Norden and Bamford this is a matter of improving their everyday lives.  So I'll make sure our local authority in Rochdale makes the most of this opportunity."