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Greg Mulholland-Working Hard For Leeds North WestMulholland welcomes Quality Bus Contract Scheme to Leeds
July 3, 2012 3:06 PM
Member of Parliament for Leeds North West, Greg Mulholland has welcomed the introduction of quality contract bus schemes in Leeds, which has been given the go ahead having been voted through by the West Yorkshire Integrated passenger transport authority. Greg has previously campaigned for their introduction of a Quality Bus Contract Scheme since 2005, including tabling a parliamentary Motion on the issue (EDM 321).The move will give it responsibility for routes and fares - issues that have been in the hands of private bus operators since services were deregulated in the 1980s into the hands of Metro.
Greg has been campaigning on the issue since 2005 and in 2007 voted to support the introduction of quality bus contracts to the rest of the UK outside London. He also tabled a Parliamentary Motion in 2009 welcoming the decision by the West Yorkshire Integrated Transport Authority to Back the Quality Bus Contract Scheme.
Over the past 12 months Metro has been discussing the idea of a quality contract scheme with the bus companies in the city, a process started by Liberal Democrat Councillor and former leader of Metro, Ryk Downes. Quality contracts have received the backing of the public following a survey which showed 90% of people in West Yorkshire supported the idea.
The scheme has been hailed as the first of its kind in the country, which supporters believe will mean simpler fares and fewer timetable changes. There are also plans to roll out an integrated ticketing system, so that tickets can be used on busses from different companies across the region.
Greg commented:
"I am delighted that having campaigned since 2005 that we will now see a Quality Contract Bus Scheme in Leeds and West Yorkshire, which will mean a more reliable and better value bus services in many areas. This now gives elected councillors a clear role in overseeing bus services in the area which is essential both in delivering the service the people want and accountability
"The scheme, which has received overwhelming support from the public, will mean a simpler and more reliable service in many areas. It is also pleasing to see plans for integrated ticketing, which will allow passengers to use a single ticket for bus travel across the city, resolving an issue that has caused concern for many bus users in the area."
Former Leader of Metro and Liberal Democrat Councillor, Ryk Downes said:
"We have listened to what the people of West Yorkshire want, the bus operators had offered an alternative Bus Quality Partnership, however this fell short of our minimum requirements and failed to offer integrated ticketing. So as Liberal Democrat leader on Metro I was happy to vote for and endorse the proposals to introduce Quality Bus Contracts in West Yorkshire"