UK Government Announces £1 Billion Bus Funding

The UK government has announced a £1 billion investment to expand 'London-style' bus services across England, with £712 million allocated to local authorities and £243 million to bus operators. This funding aims to improve the reliability and frequency of bus services, particularly in rural areas, and will be guided by the upcoming Buses Bill, which will grant local transport authorities more control over their services. Areas like Torbay, the Isle of Wight, and South Yorkshire are set to benefit significantly from this funding, which is distributed based on deprivation and population size rather than competition. Transport Secretary Louise Haigh emphasized the need for reform to address the current issues with bus services, while also facing criticism for increasing the bus fare cap from £2 to £3. The announcement coincides with broader discussions on bus franchising models to enhance service delivery across the country. The government aims to eliminate existing barriers to funding for bus services, fostering growth in passenger numbers and improving local transport options.