The LGA's media office provides the national voice of local government in England and Wales on the major issues of the day for national, regional and local press.
“Local bus services can be a lifeline to older and vulnerable residents and can also play a key role in tackling congestion and reducing greenhouse gases"
"It is essential that councils can use this new funding to protect services and reverse the reductions in local bus routes forced on local authorities from the £700 million annual funding gap councils face in providing the concessionary fares scheme."
Bus services which are vital in getting health and care staff and other key workers to the frontline during the coronavirus outbreak will struggle to survive without emergency rescue funding, the Local Government Association says today.
The LGA, which represents councils, is concerned that some bus companies and services will not be able to survive the crisis, as the number of passengers has fallen sharply – in some places 75 per cent - with most people now rightly staying safe at home.
It wants to work with government on an emergency funding package for buses and council-run public
“Council are leading local efforts to protect communities from coronavirus and will be central to the nation's recovery. We are pleased the Government has announced measures today to allow councils to help the country transition to the new way we will need to travel around, including to and from work."
Cllr David Renard responds to the Transport Secretary’s announcement of a £1.7 billion investment into repairing local roads to improve journeys for cyclists, pedestrians and drivers.
“This funding is good news for local communities and will be most effective when it is directed through councils so that they can commission the essential transport services that many people rely on."
'Councils continue to work all day and night to support communities through the COVID-19 crisis but have faced extra cost pressures and significant income losses as a result, as this survey highlights.'