It has been announced that drivers for private bus operator Arriva will be striking on Monday and Tuesday next week following a pay dispute between the company and its workers. People have been told to make alternative travel arrangements and expect delays as MK Connect, other bus providers and local taxi firms are anticipating increased demand.

Local authorities across the country have long campaigned to bring buses back under local authority control – something that changed when the Government announced privatisation of the industry back in the 1980s.

Councillor Jenny Wilson-Marklew, Labour Cabinet Member for Public Transport, believes that giving local authorities more power over buses will better regulate the industry, improve the treatment of workers, and offer better service for residents:

“Private bus companies are making cuts to services and workers are unhappy with their conditions – all while the Council don’t have the powers nor the resources to intervene. This is something that needs to change. Bus companies should fall under local authority control, so the Council can put the interests and needs of residents and workers above those of profits and shareholders.”