At the time of going to press, the Department for Transport (DfT) had yet to confirm if it would continue to provide bus companies in England with funding so that they can continue to operate essential services in the wake of the recovery from the pandemic.
The current financial lifeline is due to expire on 5 April, and operators which believe they will be unable to operate certain services without financial support must give 35 days’ notice to alter or withdraw them. This makes 25 February the deadline for submission of changes to the Office of the Traffic Commissioner.
A DfT spokesperson said: “We have provided over £1.7bn to keep bus services running across the country throughout the pandemic, and are working closely with operators and local transport authorities to protect services after April.”
20-30% of its services, including the entire park & ride network. RICHARD SHARMAN
