Recommendations & Conclusions
18 items
1
Conclusion
3rd Report – Buses connecting communiti…
Deferred
In larger cities like London, getting from A to B can be as simple as turning up and boarding. In many smaller towns and rural areas, however, whole communities can be cut off with no service at all, or have services that run so infrequently that they do not meaningfully …
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In larger cities like London, getting from A to B can be as simple as turning up and boarding. In many smaller towns and rural areas, however, whole communities can be cut off with no service at all, or have services that run so infrequently that they do not meaningfully add to people’s transport options. Devolving greater control to local authorities could risk simply entrenching such inequality. Communities need to be able to count on having a minimum consistent level of service in order for conventional bus networks to thrive, and to provide a platform for the ‘virtuous cycle’ of improved service levels driving increased usage, which in turn supports network viability and justifies further investment. In many of the smallest and most isolated communities, however, a traditional bus may not be the best way of meeting needs. (Conclusion, Paragraph 21)
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the potential benefits of standardized service levels but notes that implementing a national minimum level is challenging due to regional differences. It reiterates its commitment to devolving greater control and consolidating funding for local authorities, and states it will work with local …
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Department for Transport
2
Recommendation
3rd Report – Buses connecting communiti…
Deferred
The Department should adopt an ambition for local transport authorities to provide by the end of this Parliament a minimum level of public transport connectivity, supported by long-term funding. As part of this, the Department should publish evidence-led guidance on expected service levels based on settlement type, to improve consistency …
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The Department should adopt an ambition for local transport authorities to provide by the end of this Parliament a minimum level of public transport connectivity, supported by long-term funding. As part of this, the Department should publish evidence-led guidance on expected service levels based on settlement type, to improve consistency across regions. Decisions should be made locally about where this baseline level of connectivity is best delivered by a conventional, timetabled bus service, and where it can be provided by alternative models such as demand-responsive transport. (Recommendation, Paragraph 22)
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Government response AI summary
The government agrees in principle on the benefits of multi-year, long-term funding and confirms existing multi-year bus funding. It commits to simplifying funding streams from 2026/27 and will explore the possibility of a five-year funding settlement for bus services with HM Treasury as part of …
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Department for Transport
3
Conclusion
3rd Report – Buses connecting communiti…
Deferred
The short-term nature of funding for bus services has hampered local authorities’ ability to improve services. Five-year settlements in other transport sectors like rail and the strategic road network have enabled greater certainty and promoted strategic planning. Bus services, the most widely used form of public transport, require a similar …
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The short-term nature of funding for bus services has hampered local authorities’ ability to improve services. Five-year settlements in other transport sectors like rail and the strategic road network have enabled greater certainty and promoted strategic planning. Bus services, the most widely used form of public transport, require a similar commitment. (Conclusion, Paragraph 30)
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Government response AI summary
The government stated it is reviewing the Local Authority Bus Grant formula for 2026/27 allocations and will consider the recommendation, but it did not commit to providing five-year funding settlements for bus services to ensure long-term certainty.
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Department for Transport
4
Recommendation
3rd Report – Buses connecting communiti…
Deferred
We welcome the Department’s intention to move towards multi-year funding for buses but believe it would be beneficial to go further. The Department should move by the end of the current Spending Review period to a five-year funding settlement for bus services, for both capital and revenue spending. 46 This …
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We welcome the Department’s intention to move towards multi-year funding for buses but believe it would be beneficial to go further. The Department should move by the end of the current Spending Review period to a five-year funding settlement for bus services, for both capital and revenue spending. 46 This will provide a stronger foundation for improving and maintaining reliable local bus networks, particularly for areas that have suffered decline over a long period. (Recommendation, Paragraph 31)
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Government response AI summary
The government agrees in principle on multi-year funding and confirms existing multi-year allocations. However, it commits only to exploring a five-year settlement with HMT as part of the next Spending Review.
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Department for Transport
5
Conclusion
3rd Report – Buses connecting communiti…
Deferred
The Department’s shift to needs-based allocation of Bus Service Improvement Plan funding is a welcome and necessary step away from competition. However, the current formula does not explicitly reflect the distinct challenges faced by rural and more isolated areas, such as lower population density, longer journey distances and higher per- …
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The Department’s shift to needs-based allocation of Bus Service Improvement Plan funding is a welcome and necessary step away from competition. However, the current formula does not explicitly reflect the distinct challenges faced by rural and more isolated areas, such as lower population density, longer journey distances and higher per- passenger operating costs. Without a dedicated rural weighting, there is a risk that these specific needs will continue to be overlooked, and that historic disparities in funding and service provision will persist. (Conclusion, Paragraph 35)
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Government response AI summary
The government confirms the current funding formula is interim and commits to reviewing it for 2026/27 allocations. It states that it will actively consider the recommendation for a dedicated rural weighting in finalising the new formula.
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Department for Transport
6
Conclusion
3rd Report – Buses connecting communiti…
Deferred
The Department should consider introducing a rural weighting into its revised Bus Service Improvement Plan funding formula to reflect the higher per-passenger costs and structural challenges of serving low-density areas. This would help ensure that network improvement ambitions are not undermined by geographic disadvantage. (Recommendation, Paragraph 36)
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The Department should consider introducing a rural weighting into its revised Bus Service Improvement Plan funding formula to reflect the higher per-passenger costs and structural challenges of serving low-density areas. This would help ensure that network improvement ambitions are not undermined by geographic disadvantage. (Recommendation, Paragraph 36)
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Government response AI summary
The government did not address the recommendation to introduce a rural weighting into its funding formula, instead stating it provides significant funding to LTAs and expects it to be used to support services.
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Department for Transport
7
Conclusion
3rd Report – Buses connecting communiti…
Deferred
The current Bus Service Operators Grant structure appears to disadvantage rural and low-demand areas, where lower fuel consumption per kilometre and longer average journey lengths can reduce the level of support received. This funding model does little to reflect the operational realities of low-density networks. As the sector transitions away …
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The current Bus Service Operators Grant structure appears to disadvantage rural and low-demand areas, where lower fuel consumption per kilometre and longer average journey lengths can reduce the level of support received. This funding model does little to reflect the operational realities of low-density networks. As the sector transitions away from fossil fuels, a grant based on fuel use risks becoming increasingly misaligned with long- term policy goals. The previous National Bus Strategy recognised this and set out an ambition to reform the Bus Service Operators Grant to better support decarbonisation goals. (Conclusion, Paragraph 39)
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Government response AI summary
The government did not respond to the conclusion about reforming the Bus Service Operators Grant due to its structure and misalignment with decarbonisation goals, instead discussing guidance for local authorities on socially necessary local services.
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Department for Transport
9
Conclusion
3rd Report – Buses connecting communiti…
Deferred
The Department has not made clear what specific improvements to local bus services it expects the duty to list socially necessary services to deliver. Designating a service as ‘socially necessary’ under an Enhanced Partnership will not automatically guarantee its long-term provision or trigger additional funding, nor will it necessarily improve …
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The Department has not made clear what specific improvements to local bus services it expects the duty to list socially necessary services to deliver. Designating a service as ‘socially necessary’ under an Enhanced Partnership will not automatically guarantee its long-term provision or trigger additional funding, nor will it necessarily improve the frequency and reliability of those services. Without a ring-fenced funding stream and a requirement for operators to commit to a minimum level of provision for socially necessary services, there is a risk that local authorities will not have any practical power to use the new duty to improve services. (Conclusion, Paragraph 48) 47
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Government response AI summary
The government did not address concerns regarding the practical effectiveness of the duty to list socially necessary services due to a lack of ring-fenced funding or operator commitment. Instead, it outlined its commitment to supporting safe and accessible bus stops.
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Department for Transport
10
Conclusion
3rd Report – Buses connecting communiti…
Deferred
The Department should ensure that there is funding to support the provision of socially necessary services by ring-fencing a dedicated portion of its bus grant funding or by other means. This will help ensure that the duty to identify such services has practical effect and is not undermined by competing …
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The Department should ensure that there is funding to support the provision of socially necessary services by ring-fencing a dedicated portion of its bus grant funding or by other means. This will help ensure that the duty to identify such services has practical effect and is not undermined by competing local priorities or budgetary pressures. In addition, operators working within Enhanced Partnerships should be required to commit to a minimum level of provision on routes designated as socially necessary. (Recommendation, Paragraph 49)
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Government response AI summary
The government did not address the recommendation for ring-fenced funding for socially necessary services or operator commitments to minimum provision. Instead, it discussed the Integrated National Transport Strategy and efforts to improve timetable coordination across transport modes.
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Department for Transport
11
Conclusion
3rd Report – Buses connecting communiti…
Deferred
Growing fare box revenue from commercially viable routes is another possible source of support, in certain circumstances, for socially necessary services. The Department should require local transport authorities to consider using grant or fare box funding to enhance existing local bus services. In exercising the duty, the authority must have …
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Growing fare box revenue from commercially viable routes is another possible source of support, in certain circumstances, for socially necessary services. The Department should require local transport authorities to consider using grant or fare box funding to enhance existing local bus services. In exercising the duty, the authority must have regard to growing passenger numbers and the overall sustainability of the network. (Recommendation, Paragraph 50)
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Government response AI summary
The government did not commit to requiring local transport authorities to consider using grant or fare box funding to enhance bus services and grow the network. Instead, it focused on supporting LTAs with franchising models through pilots and developing a guide on delivery models.
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Department for Transport
14
Conclusion
3rd Report – Buses connecting communiti…
Deferred
The Department should make clear that local transport authorities operating within Enhanced Partnerships should not only maintain existing socially necessary services but should also be expected to identify and address areas of unmet need and potential for new services. The Department’s vision should be for local authorities to preside over …
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The Department should make clear that local transport authorities operating within Enhanced Partnerships should not only maintain existing socially necessary services but should also be expected to identify and address areas of unmet need and potential for new services. The Department’s vision should be for local authorities to preside over a renaissance in bus services, rather than simply hold the line against continued deterioration. Authorities should be supported to actively grow the local bus network in response to demographic and economic changes, not just manage its decline. (Recommendation, Paragraph 56) 48
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Government response AI summary
The government did not address the recommendation for LTAs to actively grow the bus network and address unmet need. Instead, it focused on extending the £3 National Bus Fare Cap until March 2027 and considering future options for fare support and reform.
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Department for Transport
15
Conclusion
3rd Report – Buses connecting communiti…
Deferred
No national framework or clear design standard to improve the overall quality of bus stop infrastructure or real time information currently exists. Poor quality facilities like damaged shelters or seats and missing or inaccurate real time information undermine bus networks by deterring passengers. People without digital access, or whose bus …
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No national framework or clear design standard to improve the overall quality of bus stop infrastructure or real time information currently exists. Poor quality facilities like damaged shelters or seats and missing or inaccurate real time information undermine bus networks by deterring passengers. People without digital access, or whose bus stops are in black spots for mobile coverage, are disproportionately affected. While some local authorities have made commendable progress in improving real time information systems, such initiatives remain the exception rather than the rule. (Conclusion, Paragraph 63)
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Government response AI summary
The government did not address the conclusion about the absence of national standards for bus stop infrastructure and real-time information. Instead, it discussed the unaffordability of free travel for under-22s and local approaches to youth concessions.
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Department for Transport
16
Recommendation
3rd Report – Buses connecting communiti…
Deferred
In order to increase ridership, the Department should establish minimum standards for bus stop facilities and the provision of real time information at bus stops where appropriate. While bus stops are used in different ways and a one-size-fits all approach may not be appropriate, improved bus stop standards should be …
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In order to increase ridership, the Department should establish minimum standards for bus stop facilities and the provision of real time information at bus stops where appropriate. While bus stops are used in different ways and a one-size-fits all approach may not be appropriate, improved bus stop standards should be a national aspiration. (Recommendation, Paragraph 64)
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Government response AI summary
The government did not address the recommendation to establish minimum standards for bus stop facilities and real-time information. Instead, it discussed the complexity of regulations for Demand Responsive Transport (DRT) and Community Transport (CT) and their integration into the wider bus network.
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Department for Transport
17
Conclusion
3rd Report – Buses connecting communiti…
Deferred
The Department should bring forward proposals as part of its upcoming Integrated National Transport Strategy for guidance on how local authorities and transport providers can achieve more effective integration between bus timetables and those of other transport modes. (Recommendation, Paragraph 65) Facilitating the transition to franchising
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The Department should bring forward proposals as part of its upcoming Integrated National Transport Strategy for guidance on how local authorities and transport providers can achieve more effective integration between bus timetables and those of other transport modes. (Recommendation, Paragraph 65) Facilitating the transition to franchising
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the importance of the issue for the DRT sector but deflects responsibility for VAT policy to HMT, stating DfT will continue to highlight sector concerns rather than addressing the recommendation for guidance on bus timetable integration.
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Department for Transport
19
Conclusion
3rd Report – Buses connecting communiti…
Deferred
The Department should expand the Bus Centre of Excellence (BCoE) to include a dedicated support strand for rural and other local transport authorities which may struggle to implement franchising successfully within their current capacity. This strand should focus on building local capacity by providing access to legal and procurement advice …
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The Department should expand the Bus Centre of Excellence (BCoE) to include a dedicated support strand for rural and other local transport authorities which may struggle to implement franchising successfully within their current capacity. This strand should focus on building local capacity by providing access to legal and procurement advice and establishing embedded regional advisory teams. The BCoE should also help reduce administrative burdens by developing standardised templates for key documents such as data-sharing and non-disclosure agreements and offer training in the commercial and operational aspects of running bus services. (Recommendation, Paragraph 74) 49
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Government response AI summary
The government discusses implementing Outcomes Frameworks for mayoral authorities and a Bus Indicator Pilot to extend outcomes-based approaches for accountability, but does not address the recommendation to expand the Bus Centre of Excellence for capacity building support.
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Department for Transport
24
Conclusion
3rd Report – Buses connecting communiti…
Deferred
Bus fares in England have risen faster than inflation and more steeply than other transport modes. While the fare cap has been broadly welcomed as a way of reining in unaffordable fares, it is a short-term measure, not a substitute for long-term policy. There is no clear national strategy guiding …
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Bus fares in England have risen faster than inflation and more steeply than other transport modes. While the fare cap has been broadly welcomed as a way of reining in unaffordable fares, it is a short-term measure, not a substitute for long-term policy. There is no clear national strategy guiding what fares are intended to achieve: promoting modal shift, improving affordability, increasing ridership, supporting network viability, or delivering wider social and economic goals. In contrast, Ireland has introduced a national fares strategy focused on consistency, equity, and simplicity. England could benefit from a similarly structured approach. (Conclusion, Paragraph 91) 50
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Government response AI summary
The government notes that LTAs can use existing funding for fare initiatives and has extended the national bus fare cap until March 2027. It commits to considering options for the cap's eventual end and will bring stakeholders together to explore future models for fare support …
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Department for Transport
25
Recommendation
3rd Report – Buses connecting communiti…
Deferred
The Department should develop, in partnership with local transport authorities and within 12 months, clear strategic priorities for what bus fares are aiming to achieve. It should articulate the strategic purpose of fare structures and guide consistent, transparent fare-setting at the local level. These priorities need to produce a coherent …
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The Department should develop, in partnership with local transport authorities and within 12 months, clear strategic priorities for what bus fares are aiming to achieve. It should articulate the strategic purpose of fare structures and guide consistent, transparent fare-setting at the local level. These priorities need to produce a coherent vision for how fare-box revenue and public funding will work together to produce the desired outcomes. (Recommendation, Paragraph 92)
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Government response AI summary
The government defers the development of clear strategic priorities for bus fares, stating it will consider options for the eventual end of the National Bus Fare Cap and bring stakeholders together to explore future models for fare support and structure. It highlights existing local authority …
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Department for Transport
30
Recommendation
3rd Report – Buses connecting communiti…
Deferred
The Department should consider, with the Treasury, reform to the current VAT rules applicable to DRT services. This should aim to recognise the character of DRT as a public transport service, even when vehicles smaller than a Public Service Vehicle are used. (Recommendation, Paragraph 112) A strategy for buses
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The Department should consider, with the Treasury, reform to the current VAT rules applicable to DRT services. This should aim to recognise the character of DRT as a public transport service, even when vehicles smaller than a Public Service Vehicle are used. (Recommendation, Paragraph 112) A strategy for buses
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Government response AI summary
The government recognises the issue but states VAT policy rests with HMT and any changes would need wider tax policy consideration. DfT has conveyed the sector's concerns to HMT and will continue to highlight them, but does not commit to actively considering reform itself.
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Department for Transport