A group of MPs warned Teesside “should not be lagging behind” after the region’s mayor played down major reform of its bus network.
The Tees Valley’s six Labour MPs released a joint statement after Ben Houchen ruled out taking over control of bus services from private companies.
Mayor Houchen has faced renewed calls to introduce a franchise system like the Bee Network in Greater Manchester. Similar systems are due to be introduced in Liverpool and West Yorkshire, while the North East mayor has also talked up the idea.
But the Teesside Tory said it would mean asking taxpayers to pay more money, which he has always vowed not to do.
Yet Labour politicians say it would help improve regional services beset by cancellations and changes.
New MPs Lola McEvoy (Darlington), Jonathan Brash (Hartlepool), Anna Turley (Redcar), Luke Myer (Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland), and Chris McDonald (Stockton North) were joined by former shadow transport minister Andy McDonald (Middlesbrough and Thornaby East) to hit back at Houchen’s comments.
The Tees Valley Labour MPs said: “It is truly remarkable to see the Tees Valley Mayor reject the opportunity to bring better service to the Tees Valley.
“It is clear that the privatised bus network does not serve our communities and our economy as it could. The focus on taking profit out of the system is at direct odds with having a bus network at the service of the people, the businesses, the schools and colleges and broader communities.
“We should not be lagging behind Greater Manchester, Liverpool and West Yorkshire where those mayors have seized the opportunities presented by the re-regulation of our buses.
“Labour in the Tees Valley is committed to securing these benefits for our communities and urges Mayor Houchen to work with us on this endeavour.”
Mayor Houchen said bus franchising in the Tees Valley was proposed by the past three Labour mayoral candidates but all were defeated at each election.
He said: “I've always vowed not to make hard-working local people pay more on top of their council tax for the privilege of having a Mayor – while my opponents have repeatedly sought to impose new taxes on the public to pay for such a policy and been roundly rejected”
However, Mayor Houchen suggested the system could be changed in the future.
“If other areas can prove beyond doubt that this approach delivers a better service for passengers alongside value for money for taxpayers then it can be considered in the future,” he said.
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