Rural bus services

That this House recognises the significant challenges faced by rural communities in accessing reliable public transport, particularly in West Dorset constituency and the wider South West; notes with concern that many rural bus services remain sparse and irregular, making it difficult for elderly and disabled residents to travel to medical appointments, employment and essential services; further acknowledges that rurality presents unique transport challenges, requiring sustainable and appropriately designed buses that can safely navigate country roads; believes that urgent action is needed to boost rural bus services by giving local authorities the promised new powers to franchise services and simplifying funding to restore routes and create new ones where there is local need; calls for maintaining the £2 cap on bus fares and the replacement of multiple funding streams with a single integrated fund for local authorities to expand services and transition to zero-emission vehicles; and urges investment in road and bridge infrastructure to ensure that buses can operate safely and reliably in rural areas.