A new era of local control over bus services in England is on the horizon following today’s announcement by Transport Secretary Louise Haigh. The government’s latest initiative, outlined in the Buses Bill, promises to return significant power to local authorities, enabling them to oversee and manage bus services more effectively.
The proposed legislation, laid before Parliament today, aims to empower all local transport authorities across England with the authority to run their own bus services. Previously, such powers were confined to mayoral combined authorities. This shift is intended to allow local leaders to tailor bus services to the specific needs of their communities.
To support this transition, the government has also released draft guidance designed to streamline the process of bringing services under public control. This new guidance aims to reduce barriers, speed up implementation, and lower costs associated with local management of bus networks. The draft guidance includes provisions for prioritising passenger welfare and addressing concerns such as anti-social behaviour and safety.
Transport Secretary Louise Haigh described the initiative as a significant step towards ending the “postcode lottery” that has characterised bus services in recent decades. She highlighted the decline in bus usage since 2010, with almost 300 million fewer miles driven annually. Haigh’s reforms seek to reverse this trend by granting communities greater authority to develop bus networks that are more responsive to local needs.
“Buses are the lifeblood of our communities, but for too many people it has become impossible to rely on local services,” said Haigh. “Today marks the beginning of our journey to deliver better buses across the country. Local leaders will finally have the powers to provide services that work for passengers.”
The Buses Bill will also address several key issues, including the reversal of a ban on new publicly owned bus companies and increased flexibility over bus funding. The aim is to enhance service quality and accessibility for all passengers, regardless of their location.
The reforms follow the successful implementation of publicly controlled bus services in Greater Manchester and London. The Greater Manchester Bee Network, which began its roll-out a year ago, has already seen a 5% increase in passenger numbers.
The initiative has received support from various stakeholders. Jason Prince, Director of the Urban Transport Group, welcomed the government’s rapid action on its transport agenda, while Councillor Adam Hug of the Local Government Association praised the recognition of local leadership in shaping future bus provision.
Nik Johnson, Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, also expressed support, noting the positive impact of having government backing in local transport reforms.
In a related event, Haigh took a bus ride to Anglia Ruskin University Campus in Peterborough to discuss the new measures with local officials and MPs. This visit underscores the government’s commitment to improving public transport and enhancing local control over bus services.
Overall, the Buses Bill represents a significant shift towards localised control and management of bus services, aiming to deliver more reliable, accessible, and responsive public transport options across England.
