The high cost of fares, infrequent buses, unreliable services – all these problems and more make journeys something to be dreaded, rather than a comfortable, affordable, safe and reliable way to travel.

The private companies that run the buses continue to make big profits, whilst still getting billions in public handouts. At the same time, we see bus routes closing down.

Around the world, as a result of the surge in fuel prices due to the war in Iran, fare-free travel has been introduced in a number of areas proving itself massively popular. In Victoria, Australia, where it was initially only introduced for 1 month, the authorities have been forced to extend it.

West Yorkshire Mayor, Tracey Brabin stood for election when she was MP on a manifesto calling for free travel to be introduced for all under 25s - so why won’t she implement it now she in charge of the Combined Authority which oversees transport in West Yorkshire?

It doesn’t have to be like this. Buses should be taken into public ownership, with democratic oversight by workers and service users, giving people a say in how the bus service is run.

Massive investment in public transport and all services is an urgent requirement. Given a serious redistribution of wealth away from the super-rich and kicking out private profiteers, those resources could be available for a high-quality, free-to-use public transport system. Socialists fight for the democratic planning of all public services by workers in the industry and by the users.

•    Introduce fare-free travel for all, with at least free travel for under 25s as an immediate step
•    Stop route closures and invest in expanding the service
•    No school bus cuts, fully fund SEND transport services
•    Fight to bring buses back under public ownership, under the democratic control