As the Government announces a £1billion funding scheme to improve bus services across England, writes Sue Reece, with a promise of keeping fares low, protecting local routes and delivering more reliable services, the Chilton Neighbourhood Plan Survey asks the community for feedback on public transport.
We know that if public transport is affordable, reliable and well connected it can reduce reliance on cars and encourage people to get around in ways that are better for the environment and their health.
We are asking residents of all ages if public transport is a good option. Is it safe and convenient, frequent and reliable, affordable, clean and comfortable? Can everyone use services (wheelchairs, prams, vision/ hearing impaired, cyclists, all weathers, all times)? Do facilities and services have what people need? Is there information on services (easy to find, easy to use, clear and accessible)? and does it allow people to get to where they need to go?
We are already receiving feedback on the lack of connectivity to places like Bishop Auckland for access to employment, health services, retail and culture.
Parents are raising concerns about the increased prices for school transport, putting families into hardship as they ensure their children have access to education and meet statutory attendance requirements.
So how will completing the survey help to make a difference? By gathering feedback and providing evidence that public transport is key priority for access to education, employment and vital services (including doctors surgeries), we can lobby for Chilton to benefit from the North East Mayor’s £101million funding announcement for a regional bus improvement plan.
This is a key component in the North East Plan for Transport, which is aiming to:
Improve connectivity between places;
Ensure fares are affordable;
Extend services to all areas of the region, not just focusing on profitable routes;
Be safe to use.
Alison Edwards, Director of Policy and External Relations at the Confederation of Passenger Transport said: “Buses are vital to economic growth. Investment in journeys help people to earn, learn and spend in local communities.”
The Northeast Combined Authority has to date been allocated the following government funding: City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement 2027/28 to 2031/32 £1,849m (allocated in October 2023); Bus Service Improvement Plan 2024.25 – £125,000 capacity allocation, £23,637,653 revenue funding.
As we plan for Chilton’s future, we want to ensure that we have a say in how money for public transport is allocated, that residents of all ages benefit from good transport links and a reliable service that promotes sustainable travel.
To feed into the Neighbourhood Plan consultation you can access the survey at www.surveymonkey.com/r/NPlan1, or call into to our drop-in surgeries in Hutton House. The next one is Saturday 30 November from 9am-12 noon.
If you have an issue you want us to be aware of, email us at neighbourhoodPlan[@]chiltondurham-tc[.]gov[.]uk, or call 01388 721788.
Ferryhill & Chilton's local community newspaper.
