It is important for all in public life and those providing public services to look to the future to ensure enhanced provision.
We see this through the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuels in the aerospace sector as well as provision of artificial intelligence (AI) across the NHS.
I recently welcomed the Roads & Local Transport Minister, Richard Holden, to the Crawley bus depot at Wheatstone Close for the launch of a new fleet of hydrogen fuel cell buses which will be in operation in Crawley and the wider local area.
At first, a fleet of 20 new buses will be operational. Further vehicles will be delivered over the next 18 months with the total number of buses in the fleet to reach 54: one of the biggest hydrogen bus fleets in the country.
The station is not only the first liquid hydrogen refuelling station for buses in Europe; once it reaches full capacity it will be the largest of its kind continent-wide as well.
The Zero Emission Buses will be able to cover long ranges and carry heavy loads and mark the first hydrogen-powered vehicles in the Go-Ahead fleet of more than 6,000 buses which includes Metrobus.
Almost 3,400 Zero Emission Buses have been funded across the country in a little over three years, with this new fleet marking further progress to reaching the Government’s target of 4,000 such vehicles.
It is welcome that this initiative is being backed by the Department for Transport and Metrobus as well as Gatwick Airport.
This announcement comes as more and more people will be using the ‘Get around for £2’ initiative which is ensuring support with the cost of living at this time.
The offer, available for single bus tickets on more than 5,000 bus routes outside London, helps passengers get to work, see loved ones and access medical appointments while keeping more of their money in their pocket.
Originally due to conclude last month, the £2 fare cap is being extended until the end of October.
The scheme will then continue for a further year, until November 2024, with the cap at £2.50. This programme is being delivered by support from Government to help people save money on travel while helping to grow the economy as well.
More than £1.1 million is being provided for bus companies and West Sussex County Council to extend the £2 bus fare cap locally as part of £500 million of investment to freeze bus fares nationally and improve routes.
Through one of the largest cost of living packages in Europe, families in this country are being backed with support for higher bills worth £3,300 per household on average in 2022-23 and 2023-24.
Henry Smith MP
