The Labour Group will hold a vote to “commend the vision and leadership of Labour Mayor Andy Burnham” over the roll-out of the ‘Bee Network’ in Trafford, which saw buses come into public ownership in January, but the Liberal Democrats are not keen to heap praise on Burnham.
Lib Dem mum of two and Timperley North representative, councillor Meena Minnis said, “The problem with all this Labour back-patting is that they are ignoring the real problems our residents have been experiencing with buses since January. My son’s school bus has broken down several times so far this year, leaving pupils stranded and late for school. To make matters worse, children are then getting into trouble at school for being worse!”
The Liberal Democrat Group has tabled its own amendment to Labour’s motion highlighting these issues and drawing attention to Trafford’s comparatively low take-up of the ‘OurPass’ scheme for free travel for 16–18-year-olds. The Lib Dem amendment also calls on Trafford bosses to take Burnham up on his suggestion that Greater Manchester councils should set up local Bee Network watchdog committees so that councillors can troubleshoot poor performance in their areas.
Trafford Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader Councillor Will Frass said, “Liberal Democrats support bringing buses back into public ownership. Re-regulating the buses should be an opportunity to improve public transport so that more people feel confident to use it." "Trafford needs additional routes, especially for school buses and in areas that are not served by the tram. But unfortunately, residents can’t rely on existing services, never mind new ones. If you read the Labour motion, you would think our buses are running flawlessly. That’s just insulting to residents who have raised issues.”
“The reality is there is more that Trafford Council can be doing, in partnership with Transport for Greater Manchester, to get a better deal for Trafford residents. I hope Labour take our constructive criticism seriously, residents don’t expect their councillors to be so complacent.”
