UK government launches £3bn bus revolution

The UK government has unveiled what it claims is the most ambitious shake-up of the bus sector in a generation, which will see lower, simpler flat fares in towns and cities, turn-up-and-go services on main routes, new flexible services to reconnect communities, and a focus on low emission vehicles.

The government’s new bus strategy, backed by £3bnn of investment, will see passengers across England benefiting from more frequent, more reliable, easier to use and understand, better coordinated and cheaper bus services. It is hoped that levelling up services across the country will encourage more people to use the bus, rather than the car, as the country ‘builds back better’ from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Under the strategy, the UK government plans to:

• Deliver 4,000 new British-built electric or hydrogen buses to provide clean, quiet, zero emission travel.
• Transition cities and regions across England to emission-free buses, safeguarding the UK bus manufacturing industry.
• End sales of new diesel buses, with a consultation on the end date launched on 15 March.

 The government expects operators and local councils to enter into statutory ‘enhanced partnerships’ or franchising agreements with bus companies to receive the new funding and deliver the improvements.

Photo: Wrightbus