The UK’s Local Transport Minister, Simon Lightwood has launched a series of regional roadshows to gather insights on how to improve bus services across the country.
This initiative aims to inform the development of a new Integrated National Transport Strategy, which seeks to create seamless, well-connected transport networks tailored to local needs.
Simon Lightwood MP began the tour in Manchester, where the newly franchised Bee Network is leading the way in delivering improved services in the city region.
Lightwood emphasised that buses play a central role in achieving better-integrated transport. As the most commonly used form of public transport in the UK, buses are vital for linking communities, supporting local economies, and providing a reliable alternative to car travel.
The 11 roadshows will include discussions with local councils, businesses, and passenger groups in cities such as Newcastle, Bristol, and Brighton, as well as rural areas like Cornwall. The goal is to ensure that bus services are designed to meet the needs of the communities they serve, with improved reliability, accessibility, and affordability.
A key focus of the strategy is making bus travel more convenient. Proposals include better integration with rail and tram services, improved real-time information for passengers, and streamlined ticketing systems, such as contactless payment across multiple transport modes. The strategy will also explore how local authorities can be supported to expand and enhance their bus networks, ensuring frequent and dependable services in both urban and rural areas.
Manchester’s Bee Network serves as a key example of integrated transport, bringing together bus, tram, and cycling infrastructure into a cohesive system that prioritises passenger convenience. The lessons learned from the Bee Network will be considered as part of the national strategy, particularly in terms of how smart ticketing, improved connectivity, and local governance can enhance public transport across different regions.
Simon Lightwood MP said:We’ve all had the frustration of our train arriving 10 minutes too late for our connecting bus service. We want more people across England to benefit from more integrated transport that makes day-to-day journeys easier – from coordinated timetables and easy route planning to tap in, tap out payments.
We will empower local leaders to build a system that’s right for their needs, connecting cars and buses, trams and trains and cycling and walking, into one joined-up system.
To kick off this process, we’re listening to local leaders across the country to hear how we can best create a new national transport vision that connects all modes of transport, prioritises people at its core and helps deliver our Plan for Change to improve the economy.
The government is also inviting members of the public to contribute ideas through the Integrated National Transport Strategy consultation, open until 20 February 2025. This feedback will be used alongside insights from the roadshows to develop a final plan that aims to improve connectivity while making bus travel a more attractive choice.
With a focus on encouraging greater bus usage, the discussions will explore options such as improved bus priority measures to reduce journey times, enhanced rural services to prevent transport isolation, and better infrastructure, including modernised bus stops and shelters. Ensuring affordability also remains a priority, with considerations for fare structures that offer value for regular passengers.
The roadshows will take place throughout February and March in Newcastle, Manchester, Birmingham, Leicester, Ipswich, Bristol, Brighton, London, Cornwall, and Milton Keynes. The government plans to publish the final Integrated National Transport Strategy later this year, informed by the contributions of local leaders, businesses, and passengers.
