Recommendation 33

HM Government Accepted

We will implement this through the Outcomes Frameworks for Mayoral Strategic Authorities with Integrated Settlements and by setting clear expectations on outcomes reporting for other LTAs. Greater Manchester and West Midlands Combined Authorities are already delivering on this recommendation through their Integrated Settlement Outcomes Frameworks for 2025/26, which include transport-specific indicators covering passenger satisfaction, service reliability, accessibility, and connectivity outcomes that enable meaningful comparison and benchmarking of bus service performance. The Bus Indicator Pilot, launched in June this year, builds directly on this foundation, testing how we can extend this outcomes-based approach to all LTAs from April 2026. The pilot is testing specific indicators including passenger satisfaction scores, punctuality and reliability metrics, accessibility measures, and safety outcomes - mirroring and expanding upon the frameworks already operating in Greater Manchester and West Midlands. This will create a comprehensive national system for monitoring and comparing bus service performance that moves beyond the current patchwork of different measurement approaches. A key component of the Outcomes Framework depends on consistent, comparable data across regions. From 2026, we will work with LTAs to expand participation in Transport Focus’ Your Bus Journey survey. This will provide a consistent, tested and valuable passenger satisfaction metric that enables meaningful comparison across different regions and operators where the survey operates. These standardised passenger experience metrics will enable us to capture both operational performance data and genuine passenger perspectives in our accountability measures. This creates a comprehensive view of bus service quality that reflects what matters most to passengers. Through this systematic approach, we are creating the regional performance metrics called for in this recommendation. The Bus Indicator Pilot will enable us to refine the indicator baskets and methodology based on LTA feedback and data availability, ensuring that when the transport-specific accountability frameworks are rolled out wider, we will have a tested system for meaningful comparison of services across different parts of the country. This directly supports the Government’s commitment to strengthen local decision-making while maintaining clear accountability for delivering improved connectivity and passenger outcomes. To ensure transparency and local accountability, we are committed to making performance data from these Outcomes Frameworks publicly accessible. This will enable local communities, passenger groups, and stakeholders to hold their LTAs to account for service improvements. We are exploring various options for publishing accountability data in accessible formats that serve not just as administrative tools, but as genuine instruments of democratic accountability for local transport services. This approach aligns with the Government’s commitment to transparency and will ensure that the regional performance metrics support meaningful public oversight of transport service delivery.