Written questions by Kumar.

What steps her Department plans to take to improve transport connectivity in Dudley constituency.

This Government is committed to restoring pride and trust in a transport system that works – day in, day out – for the people who rely on it. That is why we have allocated substantial funding to the West Midlands Combined Authority, to enable it to make the best decisions about how to maintain and improve its local transport network and connectivity, including in Dudley. This funding includes over £2.4 billion, until 2031/32, from the Transport for City Regions settlements, as well as an additional £8.6 million in 2025/26 for local highway maintenance, and more than £49 million in 2025/26 in bus funding.

What steps her Department plans to take to increase the accessibility of public transport for (a) people with disabilities and (b) other residents in Dudley.

The government knows that Britain needs a modern transport network to help kickstart economic growth and we are working to address these issues and build a truly accessible and inclusive transport system that works for everyone.I am committed to championing the rights of disabled people, putting their views at the heart of our actions. Ensuring accessibility for all passengers is at the heart of our passenger-focussed approach.The King’s Speech announced that the government will bring forward legislation through a Passenger Railway Services (Public Ownership) Bill and Rail Reform Bill, to improve the performance of railways by reforming rail franchising, establishing Great British Railways and bringing train operators into public ownership.The Better Buses Bill will also put the power over local bus services back in the hands of local leaders right across England, to ensure networks can meet the needs of the communities who rely on them. These measures will deliver benefits for all passengers, including disabled people.Together these measures will bring benefits across the country, including to the people of Dudley.

What steps her Department plans to take to improve (a) public transportation links, (b) road maintenance and (c) other transport infrastructure in Dudley constituency.

The Dudley constituency will benefit from a number of Department for Transport projects. These include the substantial projects of the new Dudley bus and Metro Interchange, and the first phase of the Wednesbury Metro tram extension to Dudley. These are both under construction.In addition, Dudley Council is benefitting from Highways Maintenance funding for its local road maintenance and pothole programme.