Transport Secretary Louise Haigh has unveiled a series of measures aimed at empowering local authorities across England to take greater control over their bus services. The new initiative is part of a broader plan to enhance public transportation and address the ongoing decline in bus services nationwide.
The announcement comes as the government seeks to reverse a significant drop in bus services since 2010, with almost 300 million fewer miles driven by buses each year. The measures will give local transport authorities more authority to shape their bus networks to better meet the needs of local communities.
Key Points of the Announcement:
- New Legislation – Local transport authorities in England will be granted the power to operate their bus services, a right previously limited to mayoral combined authorities.
- Consultation on New Draft Guidance – Local leaders will be supported in bringing bus services under public control, with a focus on simplifying the process and reducing costs.
- Passenger and Driver Welfare – The measures will address welfare issues, including anti-social behaviour and violence, particularly against women and girls, on public transport.
- Introduction of a New Bus Bill – This bill aims to improve services across the country, tackling what the government has called a “postcode lottery” in bus service quality.
Transport Secretary Haigh highlighted the importance of buses as a vital service for communities, saying, “Buses are the lifeblood of our communities, but for too many people, it has become impossible to rely on local services. Today is the first step on our journey to delivering better bus services across the country.”
The initiative has been widely supported by stakeholders, including the Urban Transport Group, the Local Government Association, and local leaders. Nik Johnson, Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, praised the measures, saying they are essential for improving local transport networks.
The government is optimistic about the success of publicly controlled bus services, pointing to Greater Manchester and London as successful models. In Greater Manchester, passenger numbers have reportedly increased by 5% since public control was introduced last year.
In addition to granting local authorities more power over their bus networks, the new Bus Bill will also reverse the ban on creating publicly owned bus companies, offering greater flexibility in funding. This is seen as a key part of the government’s broader strategy to modernize transport infrastructure and stimulate economic growth.
