“Proposals will be taken forward to transform connectivity by
rail and bus...”
● We will reform our rail and bus networks to deliver services
which are better, greener, more reliable and easier to use. Rail
Reform
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● Our railways will be the backbone of a modern, affordable
and green transport network across the country and will play
a central role in our recovery from COVID-19 as we build back
better and level up communities across the country.
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● We will publish a White Paper containing proposals that
will transform the railways and deliver for passengers. We
will ensure that decisions are taken in the interest of
passengers, using new contracts that will get trains running
on time, introduce modern ways to pay, make rail more
accessible and inclusive, and work more closely with local
communities.
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● We will end the complicated franchising model and create a
simpler, more effective system.
Bus Reform
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● Through our National Bus Strategy for England, we will
deliver better bus services for passengers across England
outside London, through ambitious and far-reaching reform of
how services are planned and delivered.
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● The National Bus Strategy outlined how we will spend the £3
billion announced by the Prime Minister to transform buses
outside London. In order to access that transformational
funding, local authorities and operators will be required to
work together to improve services.
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● These reforms will be one of our major acts of levelling up
by ensuring there are more frequent, cheaper and more
reliable bus services across the country which are easier to
understand and use with integrated services and ticketing.
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● £120 million will be spent in the 2021-22 Financial Year on
supporting the Government’s commitment to introduce 4,000
zero-emission buses, building on the recent award of £50
million to Coventry from the All-Electric Bus Towns and
Cities competition.
Key facts
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● In the last decade, the number of rail passenger journeys
grew by more than 35 per cent. COVID-19 has had a significant
impact on rail demand, between April and June last year
passenger numbers decreased by over 90 per cent. The railway
faces a structural challenge in all its main markets –
commuter, shopper, and business travel – and must change if
it is to continue to prosper.
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● The current model for passenger services had become
unsustainable even before COVID-19, with multiple failing
franchises, numerous delayed competitions and dwindling
market confidence. East Coast Main Line and Northern Rail had
already failed and the Government had to step in.
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● Buses can help drive better employment outcomes; in cities
outside London, 77 per cent of jobseekers do not have regular
access to a car, van or motorbike.
