Labour's candidate for Bridgwater & Burnham, Leigh Redman, has pledged to support a plan aiming to enhance bus services across the communities.

The initiative, put forward by the Labour Party, could guarantee the creation and preservation of up to 159 crucial bus routes.

It is expected that this would result in an increase of 158 million passenger journeys a year throughout the South West, compared to the current system.

This scheme also aims for quicker results, with the potential for buses to go into operation as early as two years into the plan.

This timeline starkly contrasts the lengthy process Greater Manchester experienced, which took six years due to complications imposed by the central government.

The Labour party has highlighted the decline of bus services since 1985, when deregulation came into effect.

As a result, there are currently 1.5 billion fewer annual bus journeys than in 1985 and almost 300 million fewer miles are now covered by buses each year since 2010.

Bridgwater Mercury: The initiative could guarantee the creation and preservation of up to 159 crucial bus routes

Mr Redman said: "Between 2010-2023 the SouthWest has seen almost 21% reduction in miles driven by local buses.

"Labour will call time on the broken bus system that is holding far too many people in our community back from opportunities."

Labour’s plan intends to give local transport authorities greater say over their bus systems without requiring additional central government expenditure.

This follows in the footsteps of successful bus franchising in London and Manchester, which have seen increased reliability and a surge in passenger numbers in less than a year of operation.

This five-point plan includes empowering local transport authorities; allowing communities to take back control of their buses; accelerating the bus franchising process; stepping in to safeguard local bus networks; and advocating for public ownership of bus companies.

Mr Redman concludes: "Labour’s plan for better buses will give every community the power to take back control of their bus services, and will support local leaders to deliver better buses.

"And our plan means vital bus services being created and saved across our region.

"The towns and villages across Bridgwater & Burnham area deserve better."