June 11 2025
Responding to today’s Spending Review announcement, Alison Edwards, Director of Policy and External Relations at CPT said:
“Transport is fundamental in kickstarting economic growth. Buses, in particular, enable 11 million people every day to get to work, to access education and to spend money in local high streets.
"Today the Chancellor stated her commitment to improve the journeys people make every day with the promise of a four times’ increase in local transport grants by the end of this Parliament. Buses, which are Britain’s favourite form of public transport, must receive their fair share of this capital funding. They are great value for money; every pound dedicated to buses generates a return to the economy of £4.55.
"While most passengers already pay less than the £3 cap, we recognise that low headline fares are an important part of the mix to enhance buses’ appeal, so the industry will again work closely with government to make the latest extension to the fare cap work.
"But affordability is only one part of the picture.
"Good bus services improve life in communities across the country and are vital for social and economic inclusion. They improve people's health, combat loneliness and revive footfall in town centres.
"The bus network outside London costs £3.5 billion to run. While bus fares pay for most of this, the social importance of transport is such that councils need to step in and support the cost of certain services.
"Operators will continue to work hard with local authorities to ensure that all funding allocated to buses is used effectively and that bus passengers get a fair deal.”