LGA responds to £150 million funding support for local bus services

Responding to the Government’s announcement that an additional £150 million in support will be made available to transport operators and local authorities when the Bus Recovery Grant ends next month, Cllr David Renard, Transport spokesperson for the Local Government Association said:

“Bus passenger numbers remain far lower than they were pre-pandemic, so it is good that the Government has acted on calls from councils and operators to extend this funding. It will help protect bus and tram services ensuring people can get to work, visit family and access vital services and while also helping to alleviate congestion, reduce harmful emissions in our communities and support local economies.

“It is now important that the Government does not lose sight of the ambitions as set out in its National Bus Strategy. If we want to encourage greater use of public transport as we recover from the pandemic, we must embark on a long term funding plan for bus services. This long term investment could help councils and operators invest in better local infrastructure, more affordable fares and improved and greener bus fleets.

“Councils across the country will continue to work with local operators and the Government to encourage greater usage of local services.”