The Local Government Association has highlighted the essential role of councils in planning and coordinating bus services, and said that more detail was needed on how this will be allocated. Cllr Tom Hunt, Chair of the LGA’s Inclusive Growth Committee, said:
“The LGA has long called for simplified and longer-term bus funding under the control of councils, who can plan and invest every penny in the bus services and infrastructure that get the best value and benefit for communities.
“Local knowledge means councils can decide on the mix of improvements to routes, fares and frequencies that will get more people by bus to schools, jobs, doctors appointments and shops.
“Councils will wait for further details about this funding to know how it compares to other years accurately, as well as more information how this will address the ongoing funding gap on the mandatory concessionary fares scheme.”
Bus Users UK has commended the announcement from Government that £3 billion is being made available to boost bus services across England.
The charity, which champions the rights of passengers, has long-campaigned for secure, sustained funding to protect and improve services for the communities who rely on them.
Responding to the announcement Lydia Horbury, Chief Executive, said:
“Bus Users UK has been at the forefront of calls for long-term, ring-fenced funding for buses. Passengers have faced years of cuts and uncertainty, so the commitment of £3 billion to boost services and improve infrastructure is extremely welcome.
“Giving local authorities the stability to plan ahead and invest in the services their communities need is essential if we’re to reverse the decline and rebuild confidence in bus travel. We particularly welcome the flexibility for councils to prioritise what matters most to passengers, whether that’s lower fares, more frequent services, zero-emission buses or safer, more accessible infrastructure.
“To deliver meaningful change, it’s vital that this funding translates into buses that are reliable, inclusive and designed around the needs of every passenger. We look forward to working with local authorities and operators to help make that a reality.”
Meanwhile, Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said:
“The funding is excellent news, but the government should be mandating that councils using the funds to buy new buses are obligated to buy them from UK manufacturers.
“The UK bus-making industry is second to none and supports thousands of vital jobs. The government and local authorities should be doing all they can to support this key component of the UK’s manufacturing sector.”
(Picture: Yay Images)
