Coalville MP Amanda Hack says new funding to transform bus services will address the current issue of unreliable services across North West Leicestershire.

Last week, Secretary of State for Transport, Louise Haigh, announced new investments which aims to improve popular bus routes, safeguard rural services, and encourage bus use for shopping, socialising, and commuting. 

Labour says this new funding will help prevent service reductions on vulnerable routes, including those in the Coalville area.

The Government says it is working to enable all local authorities to regain control of their bus services. 

It adds that The Buses Bill will be introduced in the coming weeks, granting local leaders more authority to shape services according to their communities' needs. 

Local authorities should then have the power to create modern and integrated bus networks that prioritise passengers in local decision-making.

Ms Hack, MP for North West Leicestershire, said: "Many constituents have raised concerns about inconsistent services and routes completely cut or rerouted. 

Amanda Hack MP, Cllr Peter Moult, and campaigner Jacqueline McNeice, who discussed the rerouting of services in Whitwick last April. Photo: Supplied

"This has left many people struggling to get around and stay connected with friends, family, and local businesses.

"I am due to meet with several operators in the new year and will speak with local authorities to discuss our routes and services in more detail. 

"These discussions will allow us to explore potential improvements and better align our services with community needs.

"I encourage all residents to complete my transport survey. 

"This will help shape these discussions by using your voices to guide the changes we need for our local services right here in North West Leicestershire.

Alongside this new investment, Labour says the funding allocation process has been reformed. 

This aims to cut red tape and see cash distributed based on local needs, levels of deprivation, and population size. 

The Government adds that this change will eliminate the competition between areas, which it says previously wasted resources and caused delays in decision-making.