Recommendation 1

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)