Major reforms to bus services on the way

The government have announced plans to give local councils in England more control over their bus services.  

Although buses are the most used form of public transport across the country, many bus services have been cut in recent years, leaving many people with limited access.

Under the proposed changes, local authorities will have the power to introduce their own routes, timetables and fares.

Councils will be able to set up their own publicly owned bus companies through the Buses Bill. This will give them more flexibility over bus funding and allow them to improve bus services in their areas, the government say.

Transport secretary Louise Haigh says these reforms will end the ‘postcode lottery’ and help repair bus services across the country.

Drivers and passengers first

To help local leaders, the government want to create new, simpler guidelines to make it easier for local leaders to take control of their bus services and reduce costs.

They say their guidance will help councils prioritise the needs of passengers and bus drivers – including driver welfare, and tackling anti-social behaviour and violence against women and girls.

The promise of economic growth

The government say that modernising transport infrastructure and providing better bus services will boost economic growth around the country.

That’s because good bus services can attract more people to live and work in an area.