Bus Travel in England Remains 11% Below Pre-Pandemic Levels

New figures highlight declining bus mileage and passenger numbers, as funding challenges and fare increases impact services.

Bus mileage in England totaled 1.01 billion miles in the year ending March 2024, down 11% from 2019/20 and 22% from a decade ago.
Passenger journeys increased by 7% compared to the previous year but remain 10% below pre-pandemic levels and 22% lower than in 2013/14.
People with the lowest incomes used buses 2.5 times more frequently than the highest earners, underscoring the importance of affordable public transport.
Bus and coach fares have risen sixfold since 1987, outpacing train fares (fivefold) and motoring costs (3.5 times).
The upcoming Better Buses Bill aims to improve services by introducing a bus service guarantee and consolidating funding into a long-term, single pot for local authorities.