A BRADFORD MP claims public transport in the city is “not delivering for local communities”.

Judith Cummins, who represents Bradford South, was speaking in the House of Commons during a debate on the Bus Services Bill.

Mrs Cummins supported the bill, and said: “This bill promises what many have been pressing for since bus services were deregulated in the 1980s, in particular, the reintroduction of local franchising powers. The model before deregulation was by no means perfect, but many - including sector bodies - believe deregulation to have been an unmitigated disaster.

“London of course did not suffer the same fate, it did not lose its local decision-making and franchising powers. Regrettably, it was only areas outside London, including Bradford, which saw bus services subjected to increased centralisation.

“Local decision making on bus services is common sense.

“Ensuring local accountability to the travelling public is worthwhile and valuable.

“Public transport is not delivering for our local communities.

“Local bus services are too important to become a bargaining chip.”