Speeches by Lightwood.

“I thank the hon. Gentleman for his intervention. Affordability is one of our six key objectives, so that prices, wherever possible, are kept at an affordable point that works for both passengers and taxpayers. We are supporting LNER to offer its Simpler Fares trial tickets between London and stations around Newcastle, …”

“We know that across the country people rely on trains to get to work, get to school, and see their loved ones. That is why we are relentlessly focused on securing improved services for passengers, along with better value for money for taxpayers. I thank the hon. Member for Woking for securing the debate. I am sure he a…”

“I thank the hon. Lady for her intervention. If she would like to follow up with me in writing so that she can finish the rest of her point, I would be more than happy to pass it on. South Western Railway also offers innovative products that let passengers choose tickets that suit their needs, such as the Touch smartcar…”

“I agree, and I can assure my hon. Friend that in the very first week, when the Secretary of State took office, she summoned a number of companies to her office to hold them to account. They will be held to account, and we are determined to see improvements. Fares revenue is crucial to funding day-to-day railway operati…”

“I congratulate the hon. Member for Woking (Mr Forster) on securing this debate on rail fares, and all Members who have made contributions this evening. For the past 200 years, our railways have been at the heart of our transport network. During that time, they have played an essential role in enabling people to travel …”

“We are considering the benefits that have accrued as a result of the £2 bus fare and what steps we will take next. Of course, that will all form part of the spending review.”

“We are aware of concerns about the current legislative and regulatory framework and would be delighted to meet her to discuss that further.”

“We will be making an announcement soon on that expansion.”

“I need to make progress. The Bill alone will not remove all the challenges facing the bus sector, so the Government will take further steps to deliver more reliable and accessible bus services. Those will include giving local authorities more flexibility and control over bus funding, so they can plan for the long term …”

“As I said, it is important that local leaders get to decide—that they take back control of bus services, use the funding that is devolved to them and make informed decisions in their local areas. We want to learn from the experiences and build on the successes, and I look forward to announcing more information on the b…”

“I am just about to finish, but go on—I have given way to everyone else.”

“I pushed for that when I was in opposition, and we did some consultation just before the general election. We are busy looking at the feedback and will report on it in due course. Under the Government’s action plan for buses, we will step in and ensure that local bus networks provide more accountability over bus operat…”

“I thank the hon. Member for her intervention. We are committed to simplifying the plethora of different funding pots that are available for buses. We hope to deliver more long-term funding for local authorities and devolve to them the power to decide where the money is spent. The Government have set out an ambitious ac…”

“Very briefly.”

“I will certainly explore that with the hon. Member. Obviously it is a decision for the commercial operator whether to continue that service, but I am happy to explore that with him outside today’s debate. I will crack on now, because I have limited time. For too long bus users have been subjected to a postcode lottery …”

“I thank my hon. Friend for her intervention. Our announcement on Monday that all local transport authorities—not just those in mayoral combined authorities—will be able to explore franchising will enable just that. It will enable local leaders to take back control of their buses and set fares and routes, taking careful…”

“It is an honour to serve with you in the Chair, Dame Siobhain. I want to start by thanking the hon. Member for Glastonbury and Somerton (Sarah Dyke) for securing this debate on the important issue of bus services in rural areas. She has been a committed champion for her constituents when it comes to local bus provision…”

“I thank my hon. Friend for his question. We are increasing the capacity of the Department for Transport to assist smaller authorities, so that all local transport authorities can consider franchising and other means of improving bus services in their communities.”

“Buses matter to millions of people, but 14 years of the Tories’ broken bus system have led to countless communities being failed and a spiral of decline in bus services. I hope all local transport authorities consider the range of options available to them to take back control of their buses and shape services for the …”

“Of course I want to make sure that bus fares are affordable. I will meet my hon. Friend to discuss his particular circumstances.”