Vital rural bus routes protected and fares capped as bus bill passes through parliament | Chronicle Live

Vital rural bus routes protected and fares capped as bus bill passes through parliamentLocal authorities to have a hand in bus routes, and even establish their ownCommentsOlivia Sheed

Audience Writer00:30, 03 Jun 2025Kim McGuinness has expressed her support for the bill(Image: Copyright Unknown) The Bus Services Bill has reached its second reading in the House of Commons,

where local authorities are in line for greater powers to ensure vital bus routes are protected, especially in rural areas. The Bill has already passed through the House of Lords, and looks

ready to hit the streets soon.

The announcement stated: "Thousands of bus passengers who rely on vital routes to get to work, school or the doctors’ will be protected from sudden and uninformed cuts to services thanks to

the government’s Bus Services Bill."

‌ The bill tackles this by tightening requirements for cancelling vital bus routes, especially those used by vulnerable or disadvantaged passengers and those who live in rural areas.

‌ Local councils will identify "socially necessary local services" and ensure they can be protected, while granting local authorities the power to create their own bus networks if the need

is there.

Buses remain the most used form of public transport across England. Despite this, approximately 300 million miles of bus services operating outside London were slashed from 2010 to 2024.

Rural communities were particularly impacted by these cuts, with many elderly facing a lack of transport options they can afford while living independently.

Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, spoke on the bill and the benefits it brings: "We’re committed to giving local leaders the power to shape the bus services their communities rely on.

Our Bus Services Bill is a big step forward, protecting vital services that people depend on to get to work, school, or essential appointments.

Article continues below "We have taken a decisive step towards better buses, building on our £1 billion investment to improve and maintain bus services, keeping people connected, driving up

living standards and growing the economy in line with our Plan for Change."

North East Mayor, Kim McGuinness, has also spoken up in support of the bill, adding a comment to the announcement:

"On my first day as Mayor, I started the legal process to bring buses back under public control because good public transport is how we unlock growth and opportunity for local people. I hear

every day from people fed up with poor bus services.

‌ "This can’t go on, so I’m pleased the Government is working with Mayors and local authorities to bring in legislation that will support our effort to improve bus networks across the

country. It is crucial we fix the broken bus market so we can provide the reliable, affordable public transport people need."

The plans will lift the ban on local authorities establishing their own bus companies, making it easier for them to control services and shape routes to work better for local people where

there is a need.

As part of this, the Government will also reduce some of the complexities and red tape involved in bus franchising, including reducing the minimum period between local areas taking control

and being allowed to run services.

‌ The Bill will also empower local authorities to work alongside private operators to improve bus services if they choose to not pursue full ownership.

The Government is also investing nearly £38 million to bring 319 new zero-emission buses to communities across England, while nearly £1 billion is being invested in England to improve bus

infrastructure with new bus stops and digital timetables, introduce more frequent and reliable buses, and expand fare discounts.

The Bill will also improve safety for both passengers and staff by mandating that staff, including drivers, undertake training to recognise and respond to incidents of criminal and

anti-social behaviour, including acts of Violence Against Women and Girls.

Article continues below Jason Prince, Director of the Urban Transport Group, spoke on the bill's proposals: "The Government has moved rapidly to bring about better buses by providing local

leaders with the right tools to improve services for their communities. We welcome the Bus Services Bill and its commitment to back passengers and the services they rely upon."