The Bus Services Bill will overhaul how bus services operate,
delivering on our commitment to improve living standards across
the country.
- Bus Services Bill introduced today will give local
authorities control over routes, timetables, connections and
fares
- this government is fast-tracking the journey to better buses
after decades of decline
- it builds on government's £1 billion to help end postcode
lottery of buses and improve living standards for everyone by
delivering the plan for change
New legislation to improve buses and boost local control of
services moved a step closer today (17 December 2024), as the Bus
Services Bill was introduced in the House of
Lords.
The bill will put buses back at the heart of communities, enhance
connections to work and vital appointments to improve living
standards and follows the government's £1 billion investment to
increase reliability and cap single bus fares at
£3.
The plans will lift the ban on local authorities establishing
their own bus companies, making it easier for them to control
services and shape routes to work better for local people. The
bill will also empower local authorities to work alongside
private operators to improve bus services if they choose to not
pursue full ownership.
It follows the announcement made earlier this week of new powers
for local leaders to similarly be able to better shape rail
services to better meet the needs of their communities.
Additionally, the bill ensures that lifeline bus services cannot
be removed or changed without councils reviewing their ability to
serve communities, especially those in rural or deprived areas.
Transport Secretary, , said:
It is high time we recognise that local leaders need to be able
to make decisions about their buses.
The introduction of the Bus Services Bill marks the next step on
our journey to overhaul how bus services operate, delivering on
our commitment to improve living standards across the country.
This is on top of over £1 billion to help improve bus service
reliability and frequency – better connecting communities across
the country to job opportunities and public services.
The bill will also improve safety for both passengers and staff
by mandating that drivers undertake training to identify and
respond to threats of violence against women and girls and
anti-social behaviour on buses and at bus stops.
The new powers will mean local transport authorities will be able
to emulate the success of places like Manchester where public
control has massively improved reliability and patronage.
Manchester's Bee Network has seen passenger numbers grow by 5%
and service reliability improve since public control began a year
ago.
To mark the introduction of the bill, the Local Transport
Minister, , visited Reading today to
discuss how the new powers will enable local authorities to
implement their own improvements.
Today, the government has also responded to its consultation on
guidance for local leaders seeking public control of bus
services. Following positive feedback, new guidance has been
published to support local authorities
in streamlining the franchising process.
In an ongoing drive to improve buses, the government allocated
£955 million in bus funding last month. This follows an
intervention to cap single bus fares at £3, keeping travel
affordable, with savings of up to 80% on some routes.
Improving local transport is an essential part of the
government's mission to rebuild Britain and grow our economy and
this government is committed to building infrastructure which
will drive growth and opportunity and improve living
standards.
Regional Mayors, including Andy and , have pledged to use
government support to maintain their local fare caps at below £3.
Jason Prince, Director of the Urban Transport Group, said:
Buses are the backbone of our public transport system. The
introduction of the Bus Services Bill, and its intention to hand
more powers to local areas, will herald a smoother ride for the
bus.
The bill will help ensure the bus plays an active role in
supporting and growing our local economies and connecting our
communities.
Anthea Sully, Chief Executive, White Ribbon UK, said:
It's vital that women and girls' freedom of movement also equates
to being safe while travelling.
The bus network and drivers play an important role in ensuring
the safety of women and girls by being allies, which is reflected
in the mandatory training that would be introduced in this Bill
relating to knowing how to identify and respond to threats of
gender-based violence.
This will help to change harmful attitudes and behaviours. We all
have a part to play to ensure all women and girls can live free
without the fear of violence.
Robert , Reading Buses Chief Executive
Officer, said:
Local ownership, local management and consistent coordinated
thinking has allowed us to focus on planning and delivering the
best possible network.
As our owner, the local authority can guarantee the maximum
return on any investment in making bus services even more
attractive.
