Government announces ‘bus revolution’ with new Bill
Legislation is being laid before Parliament today which gives all local transport authorities across England new powers to run their own bus services.
Such powers had been limited to mayoral combined authorities. The government says the move gives local leaders across the country the ability to deliver services in a way that ‘suits the needs of their communities’.
The government has also launched a consultation on new draft guidance to provide advice and support for local leaders looking to bring services into public control. This new, simplified guidance is intended to help break down barriers to local control of bus services, speeding up the process and bringing down costs.
The guidance will also put the needs of passengers and bus drivers first, says the government. It does this by encouraging local transport authorities to consider driver welfare and passenger safety, including anti-social behaviour and violence against women and girls.
In announcing the Buses Bill, the government says the mode of transport remains the most used form of public transport across the country and claims the deregulation of buses has failed, saying ‘vital services have been slashed and there is little accountability to passengers’.
The Buses Bill will also reverse the ban on setting up new publicly owned bus companies, provide greater flexibility over bus funding and will take steps to improve bus services for communities who choose not to pursue public control.
“With local communities firmly back in the driving seat, our bus revolution will save vital routes up and down the country and put passengers first” – Transport Secretary, Louise Haigh
Transport Secretary, Louise Haigh, said: “Buses are the lifeblood of our communities, but for too many people it has become impossible to rely on local services, as routes have been slashed and timetables hollowed out.
“Today is the first stop on our journey to delivering better buses across the country. After decades of failed deregulation, local leaders will finally have the powers to provide services that deliver for passengers.
“And we are taking steps to support local leaders to deliver improved bus services faster and cheaper than ever before.
“With local communities firmly back in the driving seat, our bus revolution will save vital routes up and down the country and put passengers first.”
“Whatever the form of regulation, operators share the government’s enthusiasm for growing passenger numbers and making bus services even better” – CPT
CPT has reacted to today’s announcement by the government on franchising: “We are pleased to see the government recognise the vital role that buses must play in delivering its missions to grow the economy, break down barriers to opportunity and bring down carbon emissions. As well as providing an £11bn boost to the British economy through direct employment in the sector and its supply chain, bus passengers spend a total of almost £40bn every year in local economies, bus commuters earn £72bn a year and pay taxes of £15bn, and buses enable access to jobs, education and training worth £8.7bn, health benefits worth £2.8bn, among other benefits. Crucially, every £1 invested in improving infrastructure for buses and improving services can generate returns of £4.55 for the economy.
“Whatever the form of regulation, operators share the government’s enthusiasm for growing passenger numbers and making bus services even better. A concentrated effort to get buses out of traffic and increase bus speeds is the easiest way to do this, making sure that passengers can benefit from reduced congestion, faster journey times, low fares and reliable buses – factors we know are vital for passengers and the popularity of bus travel.”
“We welcome the pace at which government is moving on its ambitious transport agenda” – Jason Prince, Director of the Urban Transport Group
Jason Prince, Director of the Urban Transport Group, said: “We welcome the pace at which government is moving on its ambitious transport agenda.
“Buses are the cornerstone of our public transport system, so it’s greatly encouraging to see this new package of measures, which will deliver better bus services for more local areas.
“We look forward to working with government to create a smoother journey for all bus passengers.”
“Whilst franchising may not be suitable for all areas, everyone should have access to a quality bus service without risk of it being cut, which is why we are also calling for a minimum service level guarantee and long-term, ringfenced funding for all local authorities” – Silviya Barrett, Director of Policy and Research at Campaign for Better Transport
Silviya Barrett, Director of Policy and Research at Campaign for Better Transport, said: “Allowing local authorities to choose how best to deliver bus services and giving them greater control of routes, fares and standards where needed, could help to sustain and protect bus services, creating a more reliable bus network for all. Whilst franchising may not be suitable for all areas, everyone should have access to a quality bus service without risk of it being cut, which is why we are also calling for a minimum service level guarantee and long-term, ringfenced funding for all local authorities.”
- READ our plain-English guide to the draft guidance for franchising