Bus services across England could become more stable and accountable under the government’s new Bus Services Bill, which has passed its second reading in the House of Commons.
The legislation plans to prevent the withdrawal of vital routes at short notice, particularly those relied upon by vulnerable or disadvantaged communities.
The Bill places new responsibilities on local authorities to identify “socially necessary” services. These routes, often used for commuting, attending school, or accessing healthcare, would be subject to stricter conditions before any changes or cancellations could be made. Local authorities would work in partnership with operators to implement and manage these requirements.
The Bill, which has already passed through the House of Lords, is part of the government’s wider Plan for Change.
Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, said:We’re committed to giving local leaders the power to shape the bus services their communities rely on. Our Bus Services Bill is a big step forward, protecting vital services that people depend on to get to work, school, or essential appointments.
We have taken a decisive step towards better buses, building on our £1 billion investment to improve and maintain bus services, keeping people connected, driving up living standards and growing the economy in line with our Plan for Change.
The Bill is also set to lift the ban on councils setting up their own bus companies. In addition, it aims to reduce the regulatory barriers around bus franchising, including shortening the time required for local areas to take control of services.
Further provisions include support for local authorities who wish to work in partnership with private operators, rather than establishing their own networks.
Lydia Horbury, Bus Users UK Director for England, said:The protection of socially necessary bus services is vital to ensuring that everyone – regardless of age, income, or ability – can access education, employment, healthcare and their wider community. For too long, communities have been left stranded by sudden cuts to lifeline routes.
Strengthening the framework around these services, as proposed in the Bus Services Bill, is a crucial step toward building a truly inclusive and reliable transport network outside London. We support any measures which empower local authorities to safeguard these routes and the passengers who depend on them.
Alongside the proposed legislative changes, the government has committed nearly 1 billion GBP to bus infrastructure improvements in England. This includes new bus stops, digital timetables, expanded fare discounts, and more frequent services. A separate investment of 38 million GBP will fund 319 zero-emission buses in various communities.
The Bill also contains measures to improve passenger and staff safety. It includes mandatory training for drivers and other frontline workers on how to recognise and respond to criminal and anti-social behaviour, including incidents involving violence against women and girls.
