UK Government Protects Vital Bus Routes From Sudden Cuts

The UK government's Bus Services Bill has become law, introducing strict protections for vital bus routes deemed socially necessary, particularly those serving vulnerable or disadvantaged passengers. Local authorities will have enhanced powers to identify and protect these routes, and can even establish their own bus networks, aiming to prevent sudden and uninformed service cuts that have significantly reduced bus mileage outside London over the past decade. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander emphasized that the bill supports local leaders in shaping bus services essential for work, school, and healthcare access, complementing over £1 billion in government investment to improve public transport. The legislation also aims to reduce bureaucratic barriers to bus franchising and promote greener, more frequent services, with notable support from transport groups like the Campaign for Better Transport. However, some opposition voices, such as Conservative shadow transport secretary Gareth Bacon, have criticized the bill as ideological and a threat to essential services. Overall, this bill represents a major step towards improving bus service reliability, accountability, and accessibility, especially in rural communities facing historic lows in bus frequency.