News from Sheffield Labour

Angela Smith MP welcomes new Quality Bus Contracts

Angela Smith, local MP and member of the influential Transport Select Committee, has welcomed a recent recommendation by Sheffield City Council to introduce Quality contracts for bus services. The proposals will mean the council will have much more control over how bus services are run in the city, particularly in relation to routes, timetables and fares.

The proposals are a result of the Labour Government’s recent introduction of new powers given to councils to re-regulate buses and have been welcomed by most political parties in the city, including the Lib Dems. However, the plans may not go ahead if the Conservatives win the general election, as they have made it clear that they will scrap these new powers and retain the current system.

Angela said: “The recommendations by Sheffield City council are a really positive step towards greater public control of bus services and could make a huge difference to the way Sheffield currently operates its buses. Under the new proposals services would be run in the interest of passengers, not the operating bus companies.”

Other news from Sheffield Labour

• Angela Smith MP highlights economic problems faced by Barnsley - 7 February 2012
• Sheffield Lib Dems propose cuts to fuel poverty programme - 1 February 2012
• Sheffield Lib Dems exposed over 'merciless' opportunism on fortnightly collections - 1 February 2012