Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
50th Report - Local bus services in England
Public Accounts Committee
HC 892
Published 29 October 2025
Conclusions (2)
24
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Older and disabled people are taking far fewer bus journeys than other passengers relative to pre-COVID bus usage; the number of concessionary journeys by older and disabled passengers is 29% lower than before COVID. The Department explained that fare paying passenger journeys are nearly at pre-COVID levels. However, because concessionary …
Government Response Summary
The response outlines potential factors contributing to the decrease in concessionary journeys, including discretionary travel, cost of living, and a shift to online activities. They will provide a further update to the committee within six months.
29
Conclusion
One digitally enabled service the Department has been supporting in 17 rural areas is demand-responsive transport, where smaller buses or taxis provide a link from rural areas into local towns. Passengers use an app to request journey times in advance.72 Demand responsive transport can provide a minimum level of transport …