Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
50th Report - Local bus services in England
Public Accounts Committee
HC 892
Published 29 October 2025
Conclusions (2)
8
Conclusion
Deferred
We asked the Department what action it is taking to support rural areas which have seen significant cuts to bus services and poor performance, leaving would-be passengers stranded.13 The Department acknowledged that the recovery in bus usage was particularly challenging in rural areas. It told us it was up to …
Government Response Summary
The government's response discusses animal vaccine availability, research, and future plans, including an action plan by late 2026, completely unrelated to the recommendation on rural bus services.
9
Conclusion
Deferred
Bus services in the UK perform poorly compared to those in other European countries. Fewer people can reach local city centres within 30 minutes than the European average. This poor connectivity costs the UK economy more than £23 billion per year according to Centre for Cities.16 We questioned the Department …
Government Response Summary
The government's response discusses sanitary and phytosanitary agreements with the EU and strengthening resilience to animal disease, completely unrelated to the recommendation on UK bus connectivity compared to Europe.