Government Allocates £1bn for Nationwide London-Style Buses
The Department for Transport (DfT) has announced a significant funding boost of nearly £1 billion to deliver London-style buses across the country. This move comes as part of the government’s ambitious plans for 2025, aiming to revolutionize public transport services nationwide.
Delivering London-Style Services Everywhere
- The DfT plans to provide “London-style” services to every corner of the country, ensuring that areas receive funding based on levels of deprivation and population.
- Prioritizing equity and accessibility, the government aims to eliminate the need for areas to compete for investment, fostering a more inclusive approach to public transport development.
- Notable regions set to benefit from this funding include Leicester, the Isle of Wight, Torbay, Southend, Cambridgeshire, and Peterborough, receiving unprecedented levels of support.
Boosting Local Authorities and Bus Operators
Urban areas will witness substantial allocations, with combined authorities in South Yorkshire and the Liverpool City Region receiving significant funding. The overall funding package includes £712 million for local authorities to enhance services and an additional £243 million allocated for bus operators.
- Approximately 3.4 million people in England rely on buses as their primary mode of public transport, highlighting the critical role of bus services in the country.
- Local authorities across all English regions will have the opportunity to introduce new bus routes, increase service frequency, and safeguard essential routes to better serve their communities.
- The funding will enable urban areas to maintain high service standards while facilitating the expansion of services in rural communities and small towns.
Transport Secretary Emphasizes Service Improvements
Transport Secretary Louise Haigh expressed optimism about the funding’s potential to enhance service reliability and frequency, particularly in rural areas. This investment is expected to bring about a marked improvement in the overall quality of bus services nationwide.
Upcoming Buses Bill and Fare Cap
The government’s announcement precedes the impending Buses Bill, which seeks to empower local transport authorities in England with new decision-making capabilities regarding bus services. Notable aspects of the bill include:
London-Style Franchising System
- Local authorities will have the authority to implement a London-style franchising system, enabling them to dictate routes, timetables, and fares, with operators bidding for service operation at a fixed fee.
- This move is poised to streamline bus service management and enhance efficiency in delivering public transport solutions.
Fare Cap and Public Ownership
An additional £151 million will be allocated to sustain a cap on single bus fares outside London, preventing a hike in prices until the end of 2025. This initiative aims to keep bus travel affordable for passengers across the country.
- The Liberal Democrats have criticized the decision to raise the fare cap, citing concerns about its impact on commuters and local businesses.
- However, the DfT defended the fare cap increase, highlighting that it would lead to significant savings on bus tickets and ensure that fares only rise in line with inflation.
Conclusion
The government’s substantial funding allocation for London-style buses and the forthcoming Buses Bill signal a transformative era for public transport in the UK. These initiatives are poised to revolutionize bus services, enhance accessibility, and improve the overall travel experience for millions of passengers nationwide.
FAQs
What is the objective of the government’s funding for London-style buses?
The government aims to extend London-style bus services across the country, prioritizing equity, accessibility, and service quality in public transport development.
How will the Buses Bill impact bus services in England?
The Buses Bill will empower local transport authorities to take control of bus services, introducing a franchising system akin to London’s model to optimize route planning and service provision.