Transcript
Jane Hunt MP asked:
What support his Department is providing to help ensure that bus services continue to operate during the covid-19 outbreak.
Rachel Maclean MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport, responded:
The Government are providing significant funding for the bus industry at this time. Our covid-19 funding package for England’s buses totals £397 million. As part of this, local authorities have access to a £30 million supported bus services fund. To date, 46 bids have been received. No bids have yet been received for the rural mobility fund because the deadline is 4 June.
Jane Hunt MP asked:
The Government have recently published the safer transport guidance for operators, which is very welcome indeed, but I wonder whether the Minister could set out what steps are being taken to ensure the financial viability of bus services while maintaining social distancing.
Rachel Maclean MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport, responded:
I can tell my hon. Friend that we are working urgently to provide further support to bus operators so that they can run service provision as people return to work and at the same time observe social distancing.
