The Department for Transport has announced the introduction of the new Bus Services Bill, which is aimed at protecting bus passengers.
Under the new bill, it will no longer be possible for bus routes to be scrapped at short notice, tightening requirements for cancelling vital bus routes, especially those used by vulnerable or disadvantaged passengers.
Councils will identify socially necessary local services, and working with bus operators, put in place strict requirements before these services can be changed or cancelled.
The bill, which has already passed through the House of Lords, will improve access to opportunities that drive up living standards and so grow the economy, the department said.
Buses remain the most used form of public transport across England, but approximately 300 million miles of bus services operating outside London were slashed from 2010 to 2024, with passengers left frustrated at the lack of accountability.
“We’re committed to giving local leaders the power to shape the bus services their communities rely on. Our Bus Services Bill is a big step forward, protecting vital services that people depend on to get to work, school, or essential appointments,” said Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander.
“We have taken a decisive step towards better buses, building on our £1 billion investment to improve and maintain bus services, keeping people connected, driving up living standards and growing the economy in line with our Plan for Change.”
Other changes planned
The plans will also 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.
As part of this, the government will also reduce some of the complexities and red tape involved in bus franchising, including reducing the minimum period between local areas taking control and being allowed to run services.
The bill will also empower local authorities to work alongside private operators to improve bus services if they choose not to pursue full ownership.
Government said it is also investing a near £38 million to bring 319 new zero-emission buses to communities across England, while nearly £1 billion is being invested in England to improve bus infrastructure with new bus stops and digital timetables, introduce more frequent and more reliable buses and expand fare discounts.
The bill will also improve safety for both passengers and staff by mandating that staff, including drivers, undertake training to recognise and respond to incidents of criminal and anti-social behaviour, including acts of violence against women and girls.
“Deregulation of buses came at the expense of passengers, with a shrinking network, high fares and a service not fit for the rapid growth and scale of ambition we are seeing in Greater Manchester,” said Mayor for Greater Manchester Andy Burnham
“As the first area to bring buses back under local control, our Bee Network is putting people and businesses before profit, reversing decades-long decline in buses with rapidly growing numbers of passengers served by a more reliable, affordable and integrated network. This is central to supporting economic growth, higher productivity, access to new jobs, homes and public services and opening up opportunity for all.
“This bill is vital to reforming transport networks across the country, putting power back in the hands of locally accountable leaders to ensure services work for the communities they serve.”
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