Overview
- Almost £700 million a year will flow to local authorities until 2028/29 with flexibility to lower fares, add routes, invest in zero-emission buses, or upgrade stops.
- The government paired the settlement with a £3 million Bus Franchising Fund to support pilots in areas exploring greater control over services.
- Regional allocations have begun to surface, including £264.1 million for the West Midlands and £245.9 million for the South West.
- Ministers say the package aims to deliver more frequent and reliable services and sits alongside the extended £3 fare cap and a rail fare freeze.
- Passenger groups, operators and regional transport bodies welcomed the long-term certainty, with outcomes now dependent on local plans and delivery.