Local authorities to take control of buses
Local leaders are set to take control of local bus services under new plans unveiled by Transport Secretary Louise Haigh.
Legislation is being laid before Parliament which gives all local transport authorities across England new powers to run their own bus services.
Previously such powers were limited to mayoral combined authorities – but now local leaders across the country can deliver services in a way that suits the needs of their communities.
In addition, the government has launched draft guidance for local leaders on how to bring services under public control.
It is hoped that such a move to control services will assist local authority’s transport plans, which include decarbonisation and electrification of public sector fleets, and delivery of overall net zero and air pollution plans.
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.
“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.”
Jason Prince, Director of the Urban Transport Group, said:
“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, said:
“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.”
Nik Johnson, Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, 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.”
Image courtesy of Shutterstock.
