It may be the most miserable month of the year, but for me, January is always a moment to take stock - to look honestly at what still needs fixing, but also to recognise the progress we’ve made and the opportunities ahead.

ExCo

And when it comes to transport, there’s a lot to be hopeful about.

The first rail fare freeze in decades came into effect this month, and what a welcome way to start 2026. For a commuter travelling from Bletchley to London Euston, this could save up to £300 over the course of the next twelve months. This is a practical, positive step to tackle the cost of living, and is exactly the kind of change people can feel in their day‑to‑day lives.

placeholder image — Callum Anderson MP, Bletchley Station

We’ve also seen major investment in our buses. Last year Buckinghamshire Council was awarded over £9.5 million to transform its bus services, and Milton Keynes secured a further £5 million. That is real money for real improvements. And the best part? Under Labour’s plans, local leaders (rather than civil servants in Whitehall) will decide how bus services should be run.

We haven’t forgotten about our roads either. With extra pothole funding, we are tackling many drivers’ number one gripe. Since Labour came into power, Milton Keynes City Council has received an additional £2.8 million for pothole repairs, and Buckinghamshire Council has received an additional £5 million. And as you may have seen in the news this week, the Government has also launched a pothole map of the UK to hold councils to account.

Add to that the renewed road safety strategy which is making sure that drivers and passengers are safe.

Last year, an average of four people lost their lives every single day on England’s roads, with thousands more seriously injured. These tragedies are preventable, and here in Buckingham and Bletchley, we saw 153 serious road incidents in 2024. After years of stalled progress under the Conservatives, the new strategy sets out bold reforms to tackle the root causes of collisions, harness new technology, and ensure enforcement keeps pace with modern risks.

But while I am inherently an optimist, I recognise a new year doesn’t simply magically wipe away old frustrations. I still experience the same transport issues many of you do, and I know how difficult it can be to get around our patch by public transport. These challenges are exactly why I continue to push for change.

One of my top priorities for 2026 is securing an eastern entrance for Bletchley Station. It’s a simple improvement that would make a huge difference for thousands of residents and for businesses on Queensway High Street alike. I recently held an adjournment debate in Parliament to keep this firmly on the agenda and will continue to relentlessly push for an entrance that doesn’t turn its back on Bletchley.

I’m also acutely aware of the delays to East West Rail and have received lots of correspondence from constituents on this topic. This project has enormous potential for our towns and villages, but only if the organisations involved work together effectively. I’m doing everything I can to encourage cooperation so that we can get the trains running.

Still, as we begin this new year, I genuinely believe we are moving in the right direction. The Prime Minister has said that 2026 will be the year this country turns a corner, and I share that view. With investment flowing into our transport network and a renewed focus on delivery, there are real reasons to feel confident about the months ahead.