In this month’s column I would like to focus on the issue of bus services in North East Hertfordshire.

Decades of deregulation have driven significant cuts in services, resulting in many communities experiencing limited or no buses, a lack of accountability to passengers, and a transport system that fails to meet the needs of people in the constituency.

To address this, Hertfordshire County Council is being granted new powers to run its own bus services.

This will enable local leaders to tailor services to meet the specific needs of our towns and villages.

It is a vital shift that will help to address transport challenges in the area, ensuring that services are delivered in a way that prioritises people over profit.

Additionally, the new Buses Bill promises to end the current postcode lottery when it comes to bus services.

No longer should residents in North East Herts’ many parishes be left with poor or non-existent connections.

A £12,226,982 boost in funding for better buses in Hertfordshire, recently announced by the Transport Secretary Louise Haigh, will further help to deliver services that are fit for purpose.

These plans represent the biggest reform to England’s bus system in 40 years, putting power back in the hands of our communities.

Here in North East Hertfordshire, several villages have been isolated by limited bus services or by having none at all.

This issue has been a concern for me from day one, and I’ve been engaging with local authorities, transport providers and affected stakeholders to understand to work towards practical solutions in the short and long term.

In fact, on Friday, November 1, 2024, I attended a North Hertfordshire Bus User Group meeting, where we discussed the ongoing deterioration of bus services in our area.

Despite some investment in new bus routes across the county, new services evidently are not benefitting many communities in North East Herts.

Moreover, the so-called Real Time Information system, which was meant to improve bus user experience, has simply not delivered.

Another issue I’ve been contacted about by several constituents is the ongoing delays and cancellations on route 55.

This route is a vital lifeline for residents of North Herts, providing affordable access to Lister Hospital, and its lack of reliability has caused genuine distress at times.

After raising the matter with Arriva Essex & Herts, I am pleased to report that the bus operator has committed to reviewing the timetable and making necessary adjustments to ensure that services are better aligned with expected traffic conditions.

This is just one step toward improving transport links in our area, but much more positive change is in the pipeline.

As the Buses Bill makes its way into law, I will work with our county council to ensure that every town and village gets a say in the future make up of our bus services. Together, we can improve the connectivity of North East Herts and build a system that truly serves the needs of all our communities.

If you would like to discuss local bus services, or anything else with me, please send an email to chris.hinchliff.mp@parliament.uk.

Editor's note: Louise Haigh was the Transport Secretary at the time of Mr Hinchliff writing this column. However, she resigned from this role on the morning of publication (November 29).