Source · Select Committees · Transport Committee
Recommendation 1
1
Accepted
Paragraph: 32
The Bus Service Improvement Plan process has brought out the best in many local transport...
Conclusion
The Bus Service Improvement Plan process has brought out the best in many local transport authorities and bus operators. We have been impressed by the ideas and innovation produced and the enthusiasm and commitment shown. We note the prevalence of bus priority plans as part of urban bids and demand-responsive transport schemes as part of rural ones, a sign of the very different challenges bus services face in different parts of the country.
Government Response Summary
The government highlights existing funding and programmes, including £160m additional funding through a Bus Service Improvement Plan plus (BSIP+) mechanism and £8.8 billion to transform local transport networks in city regions across England.
Paragraph Reference:
32
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
Implementation of the National Bus Strategy 3 Our announcement on 17 May 2023 included £160m additional funding to be provided to LTAs through a Bus Service Improvement Plan plus (BSIP+) mechanism focused on improving bus services in local areas, whilst allowing local authorities to make local decisions on protecting services. £8.8 billion was announced at Spring Budget to transform local transport networks in city regions across England, through a second round of the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlements (CRSTS) programme for five years from 2027. This builds on the unprecedented investment package of £5.7 billion between 2022/23–26/27 for eight Mayoral Combined Authorities. In addition to our plans to reform the Bus Service Operator Grant, we have also announced plans to further support the bus sector from the end of June 2023, when current recovery funding ends, through a further £140m to be provided to operators through a Bus Service Operators Grant plus (BSOG+) mechanism.