Council-run bus services cut by 90% across England

Since 2010, over 90% of England’s council run bus services have been cut. Research by the i shows an estimated 16 million miles of bus routes have been lost in the 10 worst-affected areas alone.

Rutland, England's smallest county, has lost 70% of its bus services, while the North saw bus services reduced by 32%, above the average for England of 22%.

Dr Tom Jarvis, principal researcher at Transport for the North, said the figures were “absolutely staggering. Overall, the North has fared far worse. The local authority supported services have pretty much disappeared since 2010.”

Many blame central government funding cuts for these losses.  Government figures show that commercial operators have helped bridge some of these, but it’s nowhere near enough. Findings from a survey by Transport for the North found that cuts to bus services- especially in the country’s poorest areas– is having a significant impact on increasing levels of poverty, poor health outcomes and social exclusion.

The survey also discovered that when these bus cuts happen, many people cut back on food shopping, gas and electricity in order to pay for a car for transport.

Others who can’t afford a car, or  are unable to drive due to age or disability are left stuck in their homes and unable to travel to jobs or hospital appointments.

Total bus services lost between 2010 and 2023 across England:

Source: the i

Dr Jarvis says that in areas where commercial services have increased, it’s likely they’ll operate more in busy areas- meaning rural communities are left out of vital transport links.

“What we’ve found in our research is that people are being left very constrained. They are pretty much reliant on others for lifts, or they get taxis when they can afford them.”

Bus firms have said that a lack of demand is say is contributing to their decision to cut services in certain areas. But buses  are still the most-used form of public transport in the country, with 3.4billion journeys happening across the year ending March 2023.

In some areas, local authorities are choosing to take bus services back into public control to improve this crisis. Last year, Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, launched the first publicly-controlled bus network outside London in 40 years. 

In Hull, the city council is trying to encourage residents back on to the bus by funding extra services at night and during major events. Mike Ross, the Lib Dem leader of the council, said there is a limit to what is possible against a backdrop of deep cuts in central government – Hull has lost more than £131m from its budget since 2010.

A Department for Transport spokesperson said: “We know millions of people rely on the bus for their day-to-day journeys, which is why we have invested more than £3.5bn since the pandemic, helping to prevent service reductions across the country.

“Thanks to reallocated HS2 funding, we’ve also committed a further £1bn to improve services across the North and Midlands and extended the £2 fare cap across England to keep journeys affordable and encourage people back onto the buses.”

Biggest cuts to council-funded bus services (2010-2023):

Source: the i

Help with transport costs

If you're struggling with transport costs, there are some options you or a family member may be eligible for.

Concessionary bus travel

The English National Concessionary Travel Scheme pass provides travel for free on local bus services anywhere in England, between 0930 and 2300 during weekdays and anytime at weekends and bank holidays.

Some places offer this scheme to allow for free or discounted travel before 0930 or on other modes of transport.

If you're state pension age:

In England you can get a bus pass for free travel when you reach the State Pension age.

Apply for an older person’s bus pass

If you’re on benefits:

Jobcentre Plus Travel Discount Card

You’ll get this if you claim jobseekers allowance or universal credit for 3-9 months (18-24 year olds) or 3-12 months (over 25s).

If you’re on another benefit you might get a Jobcentre Plus Travel Discount Card from 3 months of your claim and if you’re actively engaged with a Jobcentre Plus adviser. Cardholders are also entitled to a 50% discount on selected rail tickets.

Flexible support fund

 Jobcentre Plus staff will give you this to help with the cost of  travelling to an interview, training or for the first months of travelling to work.

 If you’re disabled:

You can apply for a disabled person’s bus pass or railcard if you have a condition that makes it hard to get around. You don’t need to have a physical health problem - people with learning disabilities can apply too. 

You’ll be able to travel for free by bus, or get 30% off your train tickets.

Apply here.

If you’re a young person:

Home to School Transport

At a minimum this covers pupils travelling more than 2 miles (for those under 8 years of age), pupils travelling more than 3 miles (for those aged 8 or over) and those unable to walk to school due to their Special Educational Needs.

Extended Rights to Free Home to School Transport

This is an extra entitlement to free travel for children from low income families.

See more information on the range of support offered by your local authority

Care to Learn

Care to Learn provides support with the cost of childcare and travel costs. Care to Learn supports around 6,500 young parents every year.

See more details on eligibility and how to apply for this support

16-19 bursary

The bursary gives support for those aged 16-19 participating in education or training who face additional barriers to staying in education. The most vulnerable young people may be entitled to a bursary of at least £1,200 per year while discretionary bursaries are provided at the discretion of education providers.

See more details on eligibility and how to apply for the 16-19 bursary

Discretionary learner support

Those aged 19 or over and facing financial hardship could be eligible for this. This includes support for the cost of travel.

See more details on eligibility and how to apply for discretionary learner support 

Rail Cards

 Railcards give you discount on train travel. 

Find your railcard.

Disabled person’s Railcard:

See more details on eligibility to the disabled persons railcard

 HM Forces Railcard:

This provides up to 1/3 off adult rail fares and 60% off kids’ fares for members of the Regular forces, their spouses and dependent children aged 16 or 17.

See more details on how to apply for an HM Forces railcard

Regional Railcards:

A number of other railcards are offered for use in specific locations or on certain lines of a route.

See more details on these regional railcards and how to apply for them