On 9 September, the Secretary of State for Transport announced a package of measures to empower local leaders to take control of their bus services (now known as the Buses Bill).  The key aims are to: 

1. support local authorities to set up and run bus services;
2. make the franchising process quicker; and
3. provide greater flexibility on bus funding.

 The Buses Bill was launched alongside a consultation on new draft guidance to provide advice and support to local authorities that are considering using these powers.

Reform of the bus sector has been discussed for some time, and local and devolved authorities have been seeking further franchising powers for even longer. With the new Secretary of State continuing to deliver on her promise to move fast and “fix things”, it is to be hoped that greater devolution will lead to genuine modal shift and achievement of crucial net zero targets. The key challenge for government will be to deliver quickly – it is then over to local authorities and devolved authorities across England to use the new powers and deliver improvements for passengers.

For further information please contact Chris Simms or Chris Lewis