Thousands of passengers across England are set to benefit from better, more reliable bus services, as the Bus Services Bill has officially become law, marking a new era for public transport.
Buses remain the most-used form of public transport in England, yet the sector has seen a 300 million mile decline since 2010. The new legislation aims to reverse this trend by protecting vital routes, empowering local authorities, and improving passenger experience.
The new law introduces several major changes:
- Stricter rules for cancelling socially necessary routes, protecting vulnerable passengers in rural areas, and those who are elderly or disabled
- Local councils can now set up their own bus companies, putting passengers before profit
- Mandatory training for bus staff to handle anti-social behaviour, including incidents involving violence against women and girls
- Streamlined franchising rules, allowing councils to control routes and fares more easily
Heidi Alexander, Secretary of State for Transport, said:
“For too long catching the bus has felt like an ordeal, with unreliable services and cuts to key routes meaning many communities, particularly those in rural areas, have been left isolated.
“The passing of our vital Bus Services Act will finally change this. By making it easier for local leaders to take control of their buses we are putting passengers first, improving access to jobs, education and tourism opportunities which are all vital to growing the economy – a fundamental part of our Plan for Change.”
The government will provide additional funding to local authorities to support these changes, with details to be confirmed in the coming weeks.
Pilot programmes are already underway in York and North Yorkshire, Cornwall, Cumbria, Hertfordshire, and Cheshire West and Chester, exploring how bus franchising can transform services in rural and underserved areas.
This legislation is a cornerstone of the government’s commitment to accessible, accountable, and community-focused transport, ensuring that bus services work for everyone.
Image credit: iStock
