Everyone should be able to rely on public transport services in their local area to get to work, school, or simply get across their community.

In fact, since 2010, there have been 300 million fewer miles travelled on buses every year. This is really concerning.

For too long, this has not been the case, and people across the country, including those in Barnsley, are left without the transport they need to get on with their lives.

I have heard from lots of local people across the area about their frustrating experiences with the local buses, and last year, I was joined by the now Transport Secretary, Louise Haigh MP, on a bus tour across Barnsley.

Along the way, we spoke to local bus users and councillors about the issues they have encountered when using the service.

I am pleased that the Transport Secretary has committed to devolving powers so that local communities can decide on the best ways to ensure that the area is served by buses, delivering the routes that they know are needed.

In South Yorkshire, Mayor Oliver Coppard has offered lots of different support for bus services. Most recently, he has announced the launch of a 12-week public consultation on buses in the region.

If you are able to, I encourage you to share your feedback to the consultation when it opens later this month. You will be able to do so at www.southyorkshire-ca.gov.uk.

People across South Yorkshire are also often subject to train cancellations, delays, and simply do not have access to the service they need.

This is incredibly frustrating, and has historically been a catalyst for regional disparities, forcing people to move away from their hometown so that they can find suitable employment, or pursue the career they want.

The Transport Secretary has already taken steps to tackle this issue. This government has committed to setting up Great British Railways, which will bring rail services back into public ownership.

GB Railways will oversee most rail services in Britain, ensuring that passengers can rely on trains that will be on time and managed properly.

The government has also opened a £200m train manufacturing facility in Yorkshire, which will provide around 700 jobs.

The legislation required to create the change we need for our railways was already presented to Parliament, after less than 100 days in power.

That is the difference a Labour government committed to bringing about change can make.