Louise Haigh, the UK’s transport secretary, has unveiled a sweeping package of measures to overhaul England’s bus services, describing it as the “first stop on the journey to better buses”. The plans, announced on September 9th, aim to empower local transport authorities and improve services for passengers.
Legislation laid before parliament will grant all local transport authorities in England the power to run their own bus services – a right previously reserved for mayoral combined authorities. This move enables local leaders to tailor services to the needs of their communities.
The government has also launched a consultation on draft guidance designed to support local leaders seeking to bring bus services under public control. The simplified guidance aims to break down barriers, expedite the process, and reduce costs, while prioritising the needs of passengers and bus drivers, including considerations for driver welfare and passenger safety.
The forthcoming Buses Bill will address the current disparities in service quality, which Haigh described as a “postcode lottery”. Since 2010, bus services have declined by almost 300m miles per year, following nearly four decades of deregulation.
“Buses are the lifeblood of our communities, but for too many people it has become impossible to rely on local services,” Haigh said. “After decades of failed deregulation, local leaders will finally have the powers to provide services that deliver for passengers.”
The reforms are a key part of the government’s strategy to modernise transport infrastructure and stimulate economic growth across the country.
Industry bodies and local authorities have welcomed the plans. Jason Prince, director of the Urban Transport Group, praised the government’s ambition and looked forward to collaborating on improving bus services.
Councillor Adam Hug, transport spokesperson for the Local Government Association, said the measures recognised the “fundamental role of local leadership in shaping future bus provision”.
Nik Johnson, mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, hailed the changes as a “huge boost” for communities and economies in regions like his own.
Haigh visited Anglia Ruskin University’s Peterborough campus to discuss the plans with Johnson and the local MP. The new powers will enable local transport authorities to emulate successful publicly controlled bus services, such as those in Greater Manchester and London.
The Buses Bill will also lift the ban on establishing new publicly owned bus companies, provide greater flexibility over bus funding, and improve services for communities that choose not to pursue public control.
The reforms mark a significant shift in the government’s approach to public transport, emphasising local control and passenger needs. The success of these measures will hinge on the ability of local transport authorities to capitalise on their new powers and deliver tangible improvements for passengers.
