You may know that I have long believed we need more reliable, regular and affordable bus services in Chelmsford. The new #NationalBusStrategy announced today is intended to completely overhaul services, ensuring we build back better from the pandemic. Here are the headline points:
Simpler bus fares with daily price caps, so people can use the bus as many times a day as they need without facing mounting costs.
The government wants bus services to be easier to use and understand. All the info passengers need to plan their journey should be at their fingertips, easily accessible online. 
Bus services should be better integrated with other types of local transport, with passengers able to use the same ticket for their whole journey. 
84% of buses across England already accept contactless payment, but the government wants to see that rise to 100% so that buses are easy to use for everyone, everywhere. 
Disabled people must be able to use bus services as easily as other passengers. Next stop announcements will help everyone travel with confidence. 
As we accelerate the transition to greener, more sustainable transport, the Government is delivering 4,000 new zero-emission buses and are today launching a consultation on ending the sale of new diesel buses. 
This morning I have written to Essex County Council to urge them to bid for some of this funding and to develop a strategy that makes public transport in Chelmsford more reliable, regular and affordable.
Read more here 
