Bus Services Bill becomes law among concerns for future services

Concerns are raised over Government's short-term, fragmented and poorly targeted funding for the bus sector, net zero commitments and socially necessary services

The Government’s Bus Services Bill became law this week with a claim that it is “marking a new dawn for bus travel in the UK”. And in the same week, the Public Accounts Committe (PAC) published its report into buses, calling for a "new, clearly communicated vision" from Government. Concerns raised by the PAC included accessibility for elderly and disabled people in the light of the Government's "short-term, fragmented and poorly targeted funding for sector".

Speaking of the Bill's passge into law, Goverment noted that: "Buses remain the most used form of public transport across England, but around 300 million fewer miles were driven by bus services in England in 2024 compared to 2010, with passengers suffering from sudden route cuts and a lack of accountability.

"This landmark move will end the risk of routes being scrapped at short notice by tightening the requirements for cancelling vital routes, an issue which has left passengers, particularly those who are elderly, disabled or living in rural areas, cut off and isolated from their communities.

There is much to welcome in government’s ambitions for improved bus services, but vague aspirations do not amount to a clear strategy. Only a clear vision from the centre - and, for councils, guidance on differing models of running services and proper accountability - can arrest further decline across the country

"The Government will now empower councils to identify services which they deem as socially necessary, meaning strict requirements must be followed if operators wish to cancel or change them."

The Bus Services Act also includes plans to mandate staff, including drivers and those based at bus stations,  to undertake training to recognise and handle incidents of anti-social behaviour and crime, including violence against women and girls. The government will back bus services with further funding for local authorities, which will be agreed in the coming weeks.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: 'For too long catching the bus has felt like an ordeal, with unreliable services and cuts to key routes meaning many communities, particularly those in rural areas, have been left isolated.

"The passing of our vital Bus Services Act will finally change this.  By making it easier for local leaders to take control of their buses we are putting passengers first, improving access to jobs, education and tourism opportunities which are all vital to growing the economy – a fundamental part of our Plan for Change."

Concerns from PAC

The Public Accounts Committee examines the value for money of Government projects, programmes and service delivery. Drawing on the work of the National Audit Office, the Committee holds government officials to account for the economy, efficiency and effectiveness of public spending.

Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown MP, Chair of the Public Accounts Committee, said: “We are now twelve years into what feels like a softly-softly approach from government to reforming its overall bus funding landscape. There is much to welcome in government’s ambitions for improved bus services, but vague aspirations do not amount to a clear strategy. 

“Only a clear vision from the centre - and, for councils, guidance on differing models of running services and proper accountability - can arrest further decline across the country."

Government does not understand why elderly and disabled people are using buses far less than they used to. In a report on local bus services in England, which have not been good enough for many years, the PAC is calling for a clearly communicated vision for bus services, including what outcomes it wants to achieve and by when.

The PAC report welcomes DfT’s ambitions on better connectivity, accessibility, reliability, speed and safety on the network – but says that what will be achieved and when is still too vague.

Across England (outside London), there have been 9% fewer bus journeys over the past four years, and a 15% fall in the total length of services overall since 2019-20. Given 2021’s national bus strategy is no longer government policy, but has not yet been updated or replaced by the current government, the PAC is calling for an articulation of what outcomes DfT wants to achieve and when. 

Going further on net zero?

Experts at the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT UK), while welcoming the Bus Services Act 2025 as a long-awaited opportunity to reshape England’s bus network, but warned that the law’s success will depend on clear definitions, adequate funding, and real action beyond headline announcements.

Lee White, CILT (UK) Bus & Coach Policy Group Chair, says: “The new Act offers essential clarity and assurance on how effective bus services can be provided in the future. It allows councils greater flexibility and strengthens collaboration between operators and local authorities, setting the stage for more reliable, long-term networks. However, ongoing funding and clear definitions of what constitutes a ‘socially necessary’ service will be vital for success.

He added: “While the Act includes provision for the Secretary of State to set a future date for ending the use of fossil-fuelled buses, this is not yet a concrete measure. Achieving a full transition to zero-emission fleets will require sustained investment and support from both central government and the wider industry. Overall, this Act represents a positive and practical step forward in shaping the future of bus services across England.”

Franchising

As well as plans to allow councils to start their own bus services, the Bus Services Act will cut the red tape holding back bus franchising, where local authorities allow companies to operate in their areas while retaining control over key aspects such as routes and fares, ensuring this model can be delivered faster.

The government is already backing local authorities York and North Yorkshire, Cornwall, Cumbria, Hertfordshire, Cheshire West and Chester as part of the Bus Franchising Pilots, which aims to explore how local authorities could take control of its bus network and transform rural services to work for everyone.