Nicola has been leading the grassroots campaign to save the 45 bus service. Following the news that the service will be protected, but only for another six months, Nicola raised the issue in Parliament with Transport Minister, Richard Holden.
Nicola asked: "I am grateful for the support of my hon. Friend the Minister and Andy Street in my campaign to save the No. 45 bus route in my constituency.
"It is vital for residents in Yew Tree and Tame Bridge, and I thank Yew Tree Primary School for joining my campaign to save the route. The service is only safe for a further six months. Does my hon. Friend agree that communities like mine in Yew Tree and Tame Bridge cannot be left without a long-term secure bus route?"
The Minister replied: "I thank my hon. Friend for her work on this matter. She has mentioned it to me in meetings already and I know she is really campaigning in this area.
"The Government have provided significant help to support our bus sector, with over £1.8 billion in 2021-22 alone. That includes over £7.3 million since March 2020 to West Midlands Combined Authority to protect bus services.
"We are also considering further support for the sector from July onwards. I look forward to working with her to convince other parts of Government to ensure we can deliver that."