Bus Services (Hansard, 23 October 2001)

§ 21. Phil Sawford
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what steps he is taking to improve bus services to disadvantaged communities in rural areas. [5590]

§ 22. Mr. Lloyd
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what steps he is taking to improve bus services to disadvantaged communities in urban areas. [5591]
188W

§ 29. Mr. Levitt
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what steps he is taking to improve bus services to disadvantaged communities in rural areas. [5598]

§ Liz Blackman
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what steps he is taking to improve bus services to disadvantaged communities in urban areas. [5586]

§ Ms Keeble
The new powers in the Transport Act 2000 will improve bus services throughout the country by raising standards and improving access to services. Furthermore, increased funding for our rural bus grant schemes and the new Urban Bus Challenge will directly assist disadvantaged communities by improving transport links.

§ 28. Mr. Fallon
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how much subsidy is provided to bus services in west Kent. [5597]

§ Ms Keeble
Local authorities are responsible for decisions on bus subsidy within their area. However, I understand Kent county council's subsidy on bus services in west Kent is currently £2.88 million (gross) per year. This includes services supported under the Government's Rural Bus Grant Subsidy scheme. All local bus services also receive fuel duty rebate from my Department.