A key moment for public transport in England came this week as the Bus Services Act became law, with reforms aimed at improving the reliability, accessibility and safety of bus services – giving local authorities the power to adopt franchising models and, for the first time in four decades, establish municipal bus companies. As such, local authorities will have greater control over setting routes, fares and service standards – tools previously reserved for metro mayors – as well as investing in new vehicles.
More investment can only be a good thing, given the impressive array of new bus models which enhance the passenger and driver experience, cut road transport emissions, and reduce noise pollution compared with older vehicles on the road – particularly with the proliferation of zero-emission buses now available. The very latest buses are also equipped with the cutting-edge road safety technology, which local authorities are now be better placed to deliver for their communities.
Passenger protection is also a key focus of the Bus Services Act, with stricter rules around service changes, particularly for routes deemed socially necessary, while operators will face tougher scrutiny when attempting to withdraw or alter services – helping to prevent sudden cuts which can disproportionately affect rural and dependent communities. Importantly, on-board is also addressed, with mandated training for bus staff to better respond to anti-social behaviour and violence, including a focus on protecting women and girls. The legislation comes at a positive moment with passenger numbers on the rise and operator confidence to invest in fleet renewal. New registration data will be published on 17 November, but so far up to Q2 2025, there have been nine consecutive quarters of growth, delivering a significant uplift in registrations of new single and double deckers and, crucially, impressive uptake of zero emission models, representing a fifth of new registrations. The new legislation, therefore, can be used to harness this optimism, encouraging further rollout and delivering the country’s broader goals of improving connectivity, reducing emissions, and supporting investment and economic growth – all while rebalancing public transport in favour of communities and passengers.
