Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 13 March to Question 36781 on Refuges: Public Transport, what progress she has made on plans she has to explore targeted options for affordable bus travel for (a) women and (b) children residing women's refuges; and whether there is a mechanism available for hon. Members and stakeholders to submit ideas for improvements.

The government is investing over £150 million to deliver a £3 cap on single bus fares in England outside London from 1 January until 31 December 2025 to help millions of people. In addition, the government has confirmed £955 million for the 2025 to 2026 financial year to support and improve bus services in England outside London. This includes £243 million for bus operators and £712 million allocated to local authorities. Local authorities can use this funding however they wish to improve services for passengers, including introducing new fares initiatives, introduce new bus routes, make services more frequent and protect crucial bus routes for local communities.

Moving forward, the government is exploring more targeted options that deliver value for money to the taxpayer, to ensure affordable bus travel is always available for the groups who need it most – such as young people.

Departmental Ministers and officials also regularly meet and engage with parliamentarians and stakeholders on a range of issues, including exploring opportunities to improve bus services, and will continue to do so.

The Department for Transport has an ambitious programme of work to contribute towards the Safer Streets mission and tackle violence against women and girls (VAWG). This includes a measure in the upcoming Buses Service Bill on mandating training for staff in the bus industry, including drivers, on how to recognise and respond to incidents of criminal and anti-social behaviour, including acts of VAWG.