Burnham plan is just ‘what we need’

GREATER MANCHESTER’S plans to bring buses under local control is “exactly what we need here”, according to a West Yorkshire mayoral candidate.

Across the Pennines, buses are being brought back under local authority control for the first time since deregulation in the 1980s, mayor Andy Burnham announced last month.

It is claimed local control will mean simple fares and tickets with price capping, and integration between trams and buses.

West Yorkshire is set to elect a mayor for the first time on May 6 and Labour’s candidate, Tracy Brabin, said: “What Andy Burnham has announced in Manchester is exactly what we need here.

“I’ll be looking at imaginative solutions to make sure public transport works for people not profit and ensure that ticketing is integrated across the network.”

Ms Brabin, currently MP for Batley and Spen, added: “The new mayor’s powers offer a unique opportunity to make a real difference on transport.

Gareth Forest, the TUC’s Better Buses for Yorkshire campaigner, said: ““We look forward to the new West Yorkshire mayor setting out plans to bring buses back into public control. Ending the wild west free market for bus services in Yorkshire will be a huge first step to delivering better public services for our communities, and doing our bit for the climate.”

Matthew Robinson, the

Conservative candidate for West Yorkshire mayor, said: “A number of people are contacting me about improving our buses and transport system.

“I’m committed to linking up public transport so passengers can get a seat on a train or bus that’s clean, green and on time. I’m making that pledge as I want to cut congestion, connect up our communities across West Yorkshire and all without the need for a congestion charge.”

■ The other candidates in the West Yorkshire mayoral election are: Andrew Cooper (Green Party), Bob Buxton (Yorkshire Party), Stewart Golton (Liberal Democrats).

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