The government has introduced new legislation aimed at improving buses and boost local control of services moved a step closer today.
The Bus Services Bill is designed to put buses back at the heart of communities and enhance connections to work and vital appointments to improve living standards.
The Bill will lift the ban on local authorities establishing their own bus companies, with the aim of making it easier for them to control services and shape routes to work better for local people. It will also enable local authorities to work alongside private operators to improve bus services if they choose to not pursue full ownership.
Transport secretary, Heidi Alexander, said: "It is high time we recognise that local leaders need to be able to make decisions about their buses.
"The introduction of the Bus Services Bill marks the next step on our journey to overhaul how bus services operate, delivering on our commitment to improve living standards across the country.
"This is on top of over £1 billion to help improve bus service reliability and frequency – better connecting communities across the country to job opportunities and public services."
The Bill also include plans to improve safety for both passengers and staff by mandating that drivers undertake training to identify and respond to threats of violence against women and girls and anti-social behaviour on buses and at bus stops.
Manchester’s Bee Network has seen passenger numbers grow by 5% and service reliability improve since public control began a year ago.
Jason Prince, Director of the Urban Transport Group, said: "Buses are the backbone of our public transport system. The introduction of the Bus Services Bill, and its intention to hand more powers to local areas, will herald a smoother ride for the bus.
"The bill will help ensure the bus plays an active role in supporting and growing our local economies and connecting our communities.
Anthea Sully, chief executive, of White Ribbon UK, said: "It’s vital that women and girls’ freedom of movement also equates to being safe while travelling.
"The bus network and drivers play an important role in ensuring the safety of women and girls by being allies, which is reflected in the mandatory training that would be introduced in this Bill relating to knowing how to identify and respond to threats of gender-based violence.
"This will help to change harmful attitudes and behaviours. We all have a part to play to ensure all women and girls can live free without the fear of violence."
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