Rural Bus 2026 is supported by the Department for Transport and the Bus Centre of Excellence as both understand how vital bus services are in delivering Government’s stated missions. Both recognise that improving rural mobility is central to delivering UK Government priorities from economic growth and net zero to levelling up, health, and social inclusion.

This unique event will bring together more than 250 local authorities, operators, consultancy and service providers to share best practice across the rural bus sector. A range of keynotes, presentations, interactive panels, case studies and organised networking sessions will help delegates understand how to:

• Make use of the Bus Services Act to support rural buses
• Develop stronger local control to support rural routes
• Embed protection for “socially necessary” services
• Develop robust and timely paths to franchising or Enhanced Partnerships
• Understand what’s available in funding and rural investment
• Make the most of lessons learned from the Rural Mobility Fund evaluations
• Create funding formulas that explicitly recognise rural challenges
• Evaluating how Enhanced Partnership or franchising arrangements can create and maintain local services
• Making the most of revised planning frameworks – supporting sustainable travel, including rural buses