Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander announced £3billion of funding for bus services – giving councils more freedom to bring in new routes, lower fares and make bus stops safer
Better buses are finally on the way after years of decline, the Transport Secretary said as she announced a £3billion funding boost.
Heidi Alexander said millions of passengers will benefit from cheaper and more reliable services. The new cash means councils will be able to make long-term decisions – including bringing in new routes and improving safety at bus stops.
It comes after the Government extended the bus fare cap until March 2027 and passed the Bus Services Act in October to protect important services.
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Ms Alexander said: “After years of decline, better buses are finally on the way. Our £3billion investment will give local authorities the long-term funding they need to deliver lower fares, more frequent services, and the reliable transport that communities depend on.
“We’ve already extended the £3 bus fare cap to help people with their everyday journeys, and now we’re backing this with the funding councils need to transform their local services.
“This is part of our wider plan to make public transport cheaper across the country – we’ve frozen rail fares for the first time in 30 years and we’re building Great British Railways to deliver better value for passengers.”
The Department for Transport (DFT) said the announcement gives local authorities the long-term certainty they have called for. They will be free to lower fares, introduce new routes and invest in zero-emission buses.
Roads and Buses Minister Simon Lightwood, said: “For too long, passengers have been let down by unreliable services, sub-standard bus stations and over a decade of routes being cut.
“This £3billion boost will change this, providing passengers with lower fares, more frequent and reliable services and safer journeys – helping both ease the cost of living and making it easier for people to get to work, hospital appointments and social plans, boosting the economy.”
The announcement will see almost £700million allocated to town halls up to 2028/29. Lydia Horbury, who heads Bus Users UK said: “Passengers have faced years of cuts and uncertainty, so long-term funding for buses is extremely welcome.
“Giving local authorities the stability to plan ahead and invest in the services their communities rely on is essential if we’re to reverse decline and rebuild confidence in bus travel.”