July 17 2024
Responding to the inclusion of a Better Buses Bill in the Kings Speech, Graham Vidler, CEO for the Confederation of Passenger Transport says,
“The bus industry will work closely with the new Government to help transform the sector and to help realise its key priorities for economic growth, swifter decarbonisation, and more sustainable travel.
“Bus services are already being transformed in many parts of the country, and CPT urges local leaders to use the extensive opportunities they already have to influence and shape the delivery of better bus services. Existing ‘enhanced partnerships’ are growing networks, improving the passenger experience and boosting passenger numbers in places like Leicester, Portsmouth and Norfolk.
“CPT and its members will continue to work closely with the many authorities that want to retain a partnership model to deliver what passengers want - more bus services that are regular, fast, and punctual. We will also share lessons from the early adopters of bus franchising with ministers, mayors and regional or local transport authorities to help ensure success in other areas that choose this option.
“No amount of regulatory change will deliver better services unless local, regional and national governments move swiftly to give buses priority on the road network, curb congestion, and persuade more people to switch away from private car journeys and towards public transport.
“Whoever controls bus networks, stable long-term investment in the sector will be critical. Immediate action must prevent a cliff edge return to fully commercial fares when the £2 fare cap ends in December – a scenario that will harm passengers and services.”
ENDS
Notes for Editors
A Better Buses Bill is expected to deliver the Government’s manifesto commitment to reform the bus system by lifting the restrictions on new publicly owned bus operators and by giving local leaders throughout England new powers to franchise bus services and develop better bus networks that reflect the needs of the local communities.
The Confederation of Passenger Transport is the trade association for the UK’s bus and coach sector with around 900 members.
A Better Buses Bill will deliver the Labour Government’s manifesto commitment to reform the bus system by lifting the restrictions on new publicly owned bus operators and by giving local leaders throughout England new powers to franchise bus services and develop better bus networks that reflect the needs of the local communities.
CPT set out its key priorities for the new Government in a manifestos for bus published in January 2024.
Driving Britain Forward outlines six key points to unlock the economic, net zero and social wellbeing potential of buses.
- A five year funding settlement for the UK bus sector
- Targeted measures to keep fares low when the national fares cap ends at the end of 2024
- National and local targets to increase bus speeds
- A new statutory, funded definition of essential bus services
- A long-term government-industry partnership to drive the transition to zero emission bus travel
- A workforce strategy led by industry, supported by government