The Bus Services Bill has been introduced to the House of Lords by Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill, Minister of State for Rail. The bill gives local authorities control over routes, timetables, connections and fares. 

If passed into law, the bill would allow local authorities to establish their own bus companies and empower them to work alongside private operators to improve bus services if they choose to not pursue full ownership. The bill also ensures that lifeline bus services cannot be removed or changed without councils reviewing their ability to serve communities, especially those in rural or deprived areas.

Safety measures are also included in the bill, mandating that bus drivers undertake training to identify and respond to threats of violence against women and girls and anti-social behavior on buses and at bus stops.  CIHT welcomes this measure and encourages bus operators and local authorities to look at the resources available on the Bus Centre of Excellence, which is funded by the DfT and run by CIHT, such as the Knowledge Hub on Anti-Social Behaviour and Violence Against Women and Girls Hub.

The introduction of the bill to the House of Lords follows the announcement of the plans back in September.

As CIHT stated at the time, public transport is an essential component of the Government’s net zero pledge. Ensuring that public transport is available, reliable, affordable, accessible and safe is to making this a reality and tackling transport related social exclusion. CIHT welcomes the fact that the government has identified public transport as a key lever for raising living standards and is legislating to support improved public transport services.

CIHT stresses the importance of ensuring the benefits of bus franchising reaches all areas, including rural areas, and that there is continued support for Enhanced Partnership schemes.

CIHT also welcomes the publication of new guidance to support authorities in setting up bus franchising schemes.

The Bus Centre of Excellence looks forward to working with the Government to support upskilling in the sector to take advantage of the opportunities the bill brings.

Bus Centre of Excellence membership is free and provides access to a wealth of best practice and on-line and in-person events.