In a landmark announcement, Labour has unveiled its revolutionary Plan for Better Buses, marking the most significant overhaul of England’s bus network in four decades. The heart of this transformative initiative? Putting power back where it rightfully belongs, in the hands of communities, particularly those like Hertsmere, where dependable bus services are a lifeline.

“This boost from Labour is exactly what we need,” exclaimed Cllr Nik Oakley, Transport portfolio holder at Hertsmere Borough Council. “For too long this borough has suffered loss after loss of bus services and now our work on introducing new services like the 84B and the Hertsmere Hoppers will be supported.”

Under Labour’s visionary strategy, up to 1,300 crucial bus routes will be safeguarded and introduced nationwide, ensuring that no community is left behind. But what does this mean for Hertsmere residents? It spells faster access to improved bus services, designed to meet the evolving needs of the people they serve.

For too long, Hertsmere, like many other regions, has suffered from a broken bus system under the Conservatives, with services on a downward spiral. Labour’s pledge to dismantle the barriers obstructing public control of bus services is a beacon of hope for communities weary of being side-lined in decisions affecting their daily lives.

By devolving power to local communities, Labour’s plan promises to end the postcode lottery of bus services, granting every neighbourhood in Hertsmere the opportunity to Take Back Control of their essential transport links. This means not only setting routes and fares but also shaping services to best suit local needs.

Furthermore, Labour vows to overturn the Conservatives’ ideological ban on municipal bus companies, restoring choice and quality to the UK’s public transport options. No longer will residents be forced to endure subpar services dictated by profit-driven interests.

The message is clear: while the Conservatives may have turned a blind eye to the plight of local bus services, Labour stands ready to usher in a new era of reliability and accessibility. With Labour’s Plan for Better Buses, we here in Hertsmere can bid farewell to the days of neglect and welcome a future where public transport truly serves the needs of the community.