As the new year begins for users of our local public transport buses the introduction of a maximum £2 single fare is an exciting initiative, seen at first hand, to encourage local people back.on the buses. The subsidy ends in three months and by that time many local route and services are likely to be facing cuts, which is bad news.

Too much of the government vaunted £3 billion national investment in buses has been used up in covid support to bus companies. A 25% increase in fuel comes at a huge cost for all with few effective answers from ministers. A short term approach is Infuriatingly familiar from this government. It has a record of bus services stop go and delay.

If we want less congested roads in our towns and communities and cleaner air there has to be a consistent long-term approach to funding buses and indeed public transport in general. Giving out with one hand then taking away with the other after three months simply won’t get local people back on our buses. Decent public transport buses, trains or metro is essential for local people and business. As is a coordinated network of linked public transport and thoroughfare options.

What appears certain is that by the end of the new year our bus services are going to be worse that at the start. It is time for the Government to commit to local bus services and not only short term measures.

Doug James, Walsall