MPs have voted overwhelmingly to repeal a 2017 ban that prevented local councils from setting up their own bus companies, a move intended to revitalise bus services across the UK. The Bus Services (No. 2) Bill, approved by 362 to 87 votes, is now poised to become law after clearing both Houses of Parliament. This legislation marks a significant shift in public transport policy, giving town halls greater powers to manage bus routes and protect socially necessary services, which are those vital for local communities but often unprofitable for private operators.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander described the Bill as “the biggest change to our buses in a generation,” criticising 40 years of deregulation that led to service cuts, route closures, and rising fares. The new law will require local authorities partnering with bus companies to identify and protect essential routes, making it harder for operators to withdraw or change them without local oversight. Councils will also have to explore alternatives to mitigate any service disruptions. Crucially, the Bill removes the requirement for councils to obtain government consent before launching London- or Manchester-style franchised networks, thus empowering local decision-making.

The legislation responds to long-standing concerns about the decline of bus services, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Independent MP Chris Hinchliff highlighted the social costs of deregulated bus services, including increased traffic congestion, pollution, and social isolation, especially for young people and the elderly. Liberal Democrat MP Charlotte Cane spoke of her rural constituents’ struggles with infrequent and absent bus services, noting that some villages lack any Sunday routes, severely restricting access to amenities such as Ely Cathedral and hindering community participation.

Opposition voices, however, have warned of financial risks. Conservative shadow transport minister Jerome Mayhew expressed concern that local authorities might face bankruptcy without explicit support from the Secretary of State, highlighting the potential fiscal burdens of running bus services. Transport minister Simon Lightwood responded by emphasising the government’s trust in local leaders to make the right decisions for their communities, rejecting the notion that this would increase burdens but rather empower local authorities to better meet local needs.

The Bill also addresses accessibility concerns, notably the contentious “floating bus stops” design, where a cycle lane separates the bus stop from the pavement. These stops have been criticised for creating dangers for visually impaired passengers and others, including the elderly and families with young children. Labour MP Marsha de Cordova, who is blind, described the crossing of cycle lanes to reach these stops as “quite terrifying and a very dangerous experience.” In response, the government has committed to publishing statutory guidance on floating bus stop design within three months of royal assent and has funded research and remediation efforts to improve accessibility.

Supporting this legislative overhaul, the government has backed it with significant financial investment. Over £1 billion is being channelled into improving bus services nationwide, with a cap on single bus fares set at £3 until the end of 2025 to boost affordability, especially in rural areas. Additionally, a £150 million funding package has been allocated to local bus services in the North and Midlands, part of a broader £3.5 billion commitment to revitalise bus travel since 2020. These investments aim to enhance service reliability, accessibility, and environmental sustainability, supporting the transition to greener buses and improved integration with other local transport modes.

In summary, the Bus Services (No. 2) Bill represents a major policy reversal from decades of deregulation, aiming to restore and protect essential bus routes through enhanced local control, financial investment, and accessibility improvements. The legislation is expected to have profound effects on how communities across England access and rely on bus transport, especially those in rural and previously underserved regions. The Bill will now return to the House of Lords for consideration of amendments before it can become law.

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Source: Noah Wire Services