Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps her Department is taking to improve public transport links between rural communities in Buckingham and Bletchley constituency.

The Department's Better Connected strategy sets out our long-term vision for making transport work well for more people across England, wherever they live. The strategy recognises that passengers want journeys that are simple, reliable and joined-up, and sets out actions to improve how the transport system works to ensure people can easily access opportunities and services.

To deliver on Better Connected, we will continue to work with local transport authorities, operators and other partners to deliver better outcomes for passengers, for example by providing £6m to fund an integrated rural transport demonstrator to explore how delivering simpler ticketing and clearer information, alongside integrating existing public transport can create a rural public transport system that works for local residents and visitors.

The Department expects partners across the transport sector to work together to deliver on this vision for passengers. We recently announced plans to bring forward an eastern station entrance at Bletchley station to boost access to the town centre and support economic growth. Another example has been Arriva rerouting its X6 service between Buckingham and Bletchley following feedback from passengers and stakeholders, providing a faster connection between the two locations.