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ON 17 December 2024, new legislation to improve buses and boost local control of services moved a step closer in the UK, as the Bus Services Bill was introduced in the House of Lords.

Overall RMT Union has applauded the Government’s renewed focus on the importance of local bus services and its commitment to reversing decades of decline in the sector. The RMT Union, who represents Bus Workers within the UK, feels this move by the Government acknowledges the significant challenges facing the bus sector in England, including:- service cuts, rising fares, and job losses. These issues have deepened since privatisation and deregulation in the 1980s, which left services driven by commercial priorities rather than community needs.

We are told by The Department for Transport that this Bill will put buses back at the heart of communities, enhance connections to work and vital appointments to improve living standards, and follows the Government's £1 billion investment to increase reliability and cap single bus fares at just:- £3.

The plans, if accepted, will lift the ban on local authorities establishing their own bus companies, making it easier for them to control services, and shape routes to work better for local people. The Bill will also empower local authorities to work alongside private operators to improve bus services, if they choose to not pursue full ownership.

It follows the announcement made earlier this week of new powers for local leaders to similarly be able to better shape rail services to better meet the needs of their communities.

Additionally, the Bill ensures that lifeline bus services cannot be removed or changed without Councils reviewing their ability to serve communities, especially those in rural or deprived areas.

Within a press release sent to the media, the Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has said:- "It is high time we recognise that local leaders need to be able to make decisions about their buses. The introduction of the Bus Services Bill marks the next step on our journey to overhaul how bus services operate, delivering on our commitment to improve living standards across the country. This is on top of over £1 billion to help improve bus service reliability and frequency; better connecting communities across the country to job opportunities and public services."

However, the RMT Union has stressed the need for guaranteed long term funding, public ownership options, and strong protections for bus workers to ensure the plans deliver real improvements for communities and passengers.

We are also advised that the Goverment hops this Bill will also help to improve safety for both passengers and staff by mandating that drivers undertake training to identify and respond to threats of violence against women and girls and anti social behavior on buses and at bus stops. The new powers will mean local transport authorities will be able to emulate the success of places like Manchester where public control has massively improved reliability and patronage. Manchester's Bee Network has seen passenger numbers grow by 5% and service reliability improve since public control began a year ago.

Anthea Sully, Chief Executive, White Ribbon UK, in a related Goverment press release has said:- "It's vital that women and girls freedom of movement also equates to being safe while travelling. The bus network and drivers play an important role in ensuring the safety of women and girls by being allies, which is reflected in the mandatory training that would be introduced in this Bill relating to knowing how to identify and respond to threats of gender based violence. This will help to change harmful attitudes and behaviours. We all have a part to play to ensure all women and girls can live free without the fear of violence."

The Government has also responded to its consultation on guidance for local leaders seeking public control of bus services. Following positive feedback, new guidance has been published to support local authorities in streamlining the franchising process.

In an ongoing drive to improve buses, the Government allocated £955 million in bus funding last month. This follows an intervention to cap single bus fares at £3, keeping travel affordable, with savings of up to 80% on some routes.

Robert Williams, Reading Buses Chief Executive Officer, in a Goverment press relaese was quoted to have commented:- "Local ownership, local management, and consistent coordinated thinking has allowed us to focus on planning and delivering the best possible network. As our owner, the local authority can guarantee the maximum return on any investment in making bus services even more attractive."

We are told that improving local transport is an essential part of the Government’s mission to rebuild Britain and grow our economy. The Government has stressed that it is:- "committed to building infrastructure which will drive growth and opportunity, and improve living standards."

Jason Prince, Director of the Urban Transport Group, has been quoted as withn the statements sent out by the Goverment,has said that:- "Buses are the backbone of our public transport system. The introduction of the Bus Services Bill, and its intention to hand more powers to local areas, will herald a smoother ride for the bus. The Bill will help ensure the bus plays an active role in supporting and growing our local economies and connecting our communities."

Regional Mayors, including:- Andy Burnham and Tracy Brabin, have pledged to use Government support to maintain their local fare caps at below £3.

RMT General Secretary Mick Lynch said:- "The Government's recognition of the vital role local bus services play in our communities is an important step forward. Enabling local authorities to take greater control of their bus networks, including through public ownership, could help deliver the affordable and reliable services passengers need. To make this vision a success, it's vital that councils are given long term funding guarantees to expand and restore services. We also need strong protections for bus workers, with secure jobs, good pay, and fair pensions, to address the current recruitment and retention crisis."

The RMT are saying that inorder to ensure the reforms are effective, the Goverment must:-

Guaranteed funding: Sustained investment to help local authorities deliver reliable and expanded bus services.

Worker protections: Legislation to safeguard jobs, pay, conditions, and pensions for all bus workers.

A national forum: Establishing a statutory body of trade unions and employers to tackle sector-wide challenges, as recommended by the Transport Select Committee in 2019.

RMT has also stressed that it is:- "committed to working with the Government, local authorities, and industry to ensure that the bus sector delivers for both passengers and workers."

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If you would like to know more about the Whitepaper on Transport Devolution, you can download a PDF entittled:- 'English Devolution White Paper' from:- Gov.UK..