Overview

• Following Labour’s 2024 election victory, the Department for Transport withdrew the 2021 Bus Back Better strategy, placing the Bus Services Bill at the centre of planned reforms.
• Public funding now accounts for half of bus operators’ revenue, rising to £1.8 billion in 2023/24, reflecting weakened commercial viability.
• The government has earmarked a record £1 billion to boost the reliability and frequency of bus services outside London.
• The Bus Services Bill would let local transport authorities franchise and directly run services and is currently at committee stage in the House of Commons.
• The NAO warns rural and suburban routes are caught in a downward spiral of low demand and service cuts and urges tailored support for local authorities.