South Shropshire's MP is calling for rural bus services to be prioritised in future public transport reforms.
Stuart Anderson MP has written to Prime Minister Andy Burnham raising concerns about cuts to services in his constituency and urging that rural areas not be overlooked.
He said: "As there are often no alternative means of getting around, I believe buses are more important in rural areas than anywhere else.
"Despite this, the national conversation around public transport seems to be completely dominated by urban areas.
"The Prime Minister has said he wants to build 'a country for everyone, everywhere' and that 'buses are a lifeline.'
"Yet as it stands, buses in rural areas are scarce and expensive.
"I have urged the Prime Minister to make sure rural bus networks are properly taken into consideration in any future reforms to public transport.
"My constituents in South Shropshire should no longer feel that they are being left behind."
In his letter, Mr Anderson said that a number of constituents have raised concerns over the past year about lost bus services across South Shropshire.
He warned that without action, the impact will fall hardest on the elderly and young people.
He claimed older residents do not drive and rely on buses to stay connected with family and friends, attend medical appointments, and do their weekly shopping.
Mr Anderson said young people are also being affected, with students and apprentices facing high costs to travel to college or work.
He added: "Bus services in South Shropshire are in general scarce, unreliable, and we have seen extensive routes reduced over the last year.
"This leaves villages with little or no public transport at all."
He warned that the focus on improving urban transport risks leaving rural communities further behind.
Mr Anderson has asked the Prime Minister to ensure that future reforms deliver 'more connected communities, better access to opportunities, and a lighter load on people's lives' in rural areas.
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