Delivering sustainable, long-term funding for our transport systems
Improving public transport connectivity across the Penistone and Stocksbridge constituency is one of my top priorities, and I know that is shared by constituents from the many conversations I have with local residents. I work closely with local councils, our devolved Metro Mayor, and the national Government to secure funding to upgrade our transport infrastructure and deliver new services for our communities.
I am therefore pleased to see the Chancellor commit to sustainable, long-term funding for our devolved transport in South Yorkshire. Devolution recognises that local communities know best what they need, and providing £570m for transport upgrades across the county is a major investment in our infrastructure.
We have suffered for far too long with inadequate public transport in our towns and villages - this is the result of decades of underinvestment by successive governments. This funding settlement will give us the certainty we need to start catching up and transforming our transport network to match those enjoyed elsewhere in the country.
Some of the projects this money will be spent on include:
- renewal and upgrade of the Supertram network
- new and improved active travel corridors for walking and cycling
- infrastructure for faster and more reliable bus routes
- upgrades to bus stops and train stations
I will work with the Mayor and the Combined Authority to ensure we get our share of this investment here in Penistone and Stocksbridge. This investment will compliment my ongoing work to improve our local public transport, including: an upgrade to the Penistone Line railway between Barnsley and Huddersfield; better buses for our rural villages; a local bus network for Stocksbridge and Deepcar; a new bus link between Chapeltown, High Green, and Meadowhall; and completion of the Upper Don Trail active travel route.
Good transport isn't just about getting from A to B – it’s about connecting people with well-paid jobs, training and education, hospital appointments, shops and other people, and it’s central to the development and sustainability of our local communities and the opportunities available to the people in them.
