Government Gives Local Authorities Power to Take Over Bus Services
Transport Secretary Louise Haigh has launched a bold move to put local councils in the driving seat of England’s bus networks. This shake-up aims to halt the steep decline in bus services and improve public transport for communities nationwide.
Bus Mileage Plummets – New Plan to Reverse the Trend
Since 2010, bus services have slumped with nearly 300 million fewer miles travelled every year. The government’s new measures will hand more control to local transport authorities, allowing them to tailor bus routes and services to fit local needs.
What’s in the New Deal?
- New Legislation: Local transport authorities across England, not just mayoral combined authorities, can now run their own bus services.
- Draft Guidance Consultation: Local leaders get support to bring buses under public control, simplifying red tape and cutting costs.
- Passenger & Driver Safety: Fresh focus on tackling anti-social behaviour and violence, especially targeting protection for women and girls.
- New Bus Bill: Aims to fix the “postcode lottery” of service quality by standardising and improving bus networks nationwide.
Boosting Communities and Safety
“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.” – Transport Secretary Louise Haigh
The plan has won praise from local government bodies and transport chiefs. Nik Johnson, Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, called the reforms essential for upgrading local transport networks.
Successful Models and a New Era Ahead
Greater Manchester and London are cited as shining examples where public control has boosted passenger numbers—Manchester saw a 5% rise in ridership since last year.
Crucially, the new Bus Bill will scrap the ban on publicly owned bus companies, giving councils more freedom to fund and run services tailored to their areas. This move is part of a wider government strategy to modernise transport infrastructure and jump-start economic growth across England.
