Green Parliamentary candidates in Brighton and Hove have called for the local council to take advantage of new amendments to the law which would change the way bus services are coordinated in the city.

A change to the Local Transport Act of 2008 enables local governments to create Quality Contracts Schemes. This is where the LA takes responsibility for defining the service including routes, timings and fares.

Caroline Lucas, Green Party Parliamentary candidate for Brighton Pavilion constituency, said: "We need to be doing as much as possible to make sure that bus services are a realistic alternative for people who would like to leave their cars at home.

"A cheaper, more comprehensive bus service would ease congestion and pollution, as well as making the city a more pleasant environment for everyone.

"In the past decade the cost of motoring has fallen by 13% in real terms whilst bus fares have risen by 17%.

"Bus prices in Brighton are prohibitive, with a day saver costing £3.60. This is not fair to poorer families - a return journey made by two adults and two children from Hollingdean to Churchill Square costs £7.60, and that's assuming the children have Bus-IDs.

"53% of people would take the bus to work if the service was better. The QCS's present a real chance to make this happen."

The call for Quality Contracts Schemes follow recent questions as to whether or not local taxpayers are getting value for money with the current service.

Currently bus companies receive subsidisation to the tune of £1.5 million from the council specifically for services deemed economically non-viable, with most of this money going to Brighton and Hove Bus Company, although this figure is set to be cut by £200,000 under the 2010-11 budget.

Brighton and Hove City Council are also budgeting to pay £9.3m to bus companies in 2010-2011 for concessionary fares for older people.

Ian Davey, the Green parliamentary candidate for Hove constituency, added:

"The plans to cut funding will almost certainly affect areas where bus frequency makes cars a better option. Currently two thirds of city car journeys start and end within the city. We have to ask ourselves why are these people reluctant to take the bus instead of their car?

"The local authority has a fantastic opportunity now to move ahead with plans to create a vastly improved service."

For more information please contact the Brighton and Hove Green Party office on 01273 766 670.