Source · Select Committees · Transport Committee
Recommendation 14
14
Deferred
Require local authorities to identify and address unmet need for new bus services.
Conclusion
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
Government response summary AI-generated
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.
Summary of the government's response below — read the verbatim text to verify.
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government · verbatim extract
Deferred
This Government’s vision for bus services is to grow bus patronage by improving services, and we therefore agree with the Committee. This includes enhancing and revitalising services so passengers have the connections they need to get to work, education, healthcare, retail and leisure services. All local authorities are expected to set out their vision to grow and improve local bus services in their BSIP and we are continuing to provide substantial investment to support them to deliver these plans. Many LTAs operating in EPs have used this funding to invest in new services. For example, Devon County Council have used their funding to deliver a night bus service supporting the night-time economy and Southend have introduced a new service linking Leigh-on-Sea rail station with London Southend Airport. However, we acknowledge that in some places the bus market is facing significant challenges, and more work is needed to stop the decline in bus patronage and start regrowing the network. We will work with LTAs to support them, in partnership with operators, to deliver a step-change to improve services for passengers.
Read the full response on Parliament ↗