The Transport Secretary has set the wheels in motion on what is said will be ‘the biggest overhaul to buses in a generation’
The Government is moving forward with its plans for bus reforms to end what is often called a ‘postcode lottery’ when it comes to good bus service provision, grow passenger numbers, and deliver better services. A package of measures designed to ‘empower local leaders to take control of their bus services’ was unveiled on Monday 9 September by Transport Secretary Louise Haigh, said to be the first stop on the journey to ‘better buses.’
Legislation has been laid before Parliament which gives all Local Transport Authorities (LTAs) across England new powers to run their own bus services, powers which were previously limited to Mayoral Combined Authorities. The move means that local leaders across the country will be able to choose how they deliver services, and can do so in a way which they believe best suits the needs of their communities.
The Government has also launched a consultation on new draft guidance to provide advice and support for local leaders looking to bring services into public control. The new, simplified guidance is expected to help break down barriers to local control of bus services, speed up the process and bring down costs. The Government says the guidance will also put the needs of passengers and bus drivers first by encouraging local transport authorities to consider driver welfare and passenger safety, including on anti-social behaviour and violence against women and girls.
‘Failed deregulation’
According to the Government, buses remain the most used form of public transport across the country, but after what it says are ‘almost four decades of failed deregulation,’ ‘vital services have been slashed and there is little accountability to passengers.’
Since 2010, figures cited show that almost 300 million fewer miles have been travelled by buses per year. The Government says its work will be ‘transformative’ and will turn the tide by giving communities the opportunity to control local bus services and have a real say in building local transport networks which work for them.
“Modernising our transport infrastructure and delivering better buses is at the heart of our plan to kickstart economic growth in every part of the country and get the country moving,” it says. “Our plans will deliver a better service for passengers and give local authorities a choice over the bus system that works best for them without extra burdens on the taxpayer.”
Transport Secretary Louise Haigh said: “Buses are the lifeblood of our communities, but for too many people it has become impossible to rely on local services, as routes have been slashed and timetables hollowed out. Today is the first stop on our journey to delivering better buses across the country. After decades of failed deregulation, local leaders will finally have the powers to provide services that deliver for passengers.
“And we are taking steps to support local leaders to deliver improved bus services faster and cheaper than ever before. With local communities firmly back in the driving seat, our bus revolution will save vital routes up and down the country and put passengers first.”
A cornerstone
Director of the Urban Transport Group Jason Prince added: “We welcome the pace at which Government is moving on its ambitious transport agenda. Buses are the cornerstone of our public transport system, so it’s greatly encouraging to see this new package of measures which will deliver better bus services for more local areas. We look forward to working with Government to create a smoother journey for all bus passengers.”
Councillor Adam Hug, transport spokesperson for the Local Government Association, commented: “Buses remain critical to local government’s efforts to ensure that everyone can benefit from inclusive economic growth and job opportunities, and to prevent social isolation by making local services more accessible; they also continue to play a vital role in reducing carbon and other harmful emissions.
“These proposed measures recognise the fundamental role of local leadership in shaping future bus provision, which the LGA has long been calling for.”
The move was announced as the Transport Secretary took a bus ride to Anglia Ruskin University Campus in Peterborough, where she met with the Mayor and local MP to discuss plans for local control of bus services.
Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Nik Johnson said: “This is a government that understands what the communities and economies of places like Cambridgeshire and Peterborough need. Good quality public transport is a vital part of people’s lives, and none more so than local bus services, so it’s a huge boost to see much-needed change coming to life. As a combined authority we’re doing everything we can to reform the way buses are managed across the region, and having government on our side makes a massive difference.”
The Bill will also reverse the ban on local councils setting up new publicly owned bus companies, and will also seek to take steps to improve bus services for communities who choose not to pursue public control.
