The Urban Transport Group has welcomed the Bus Services (No. 2) Bill becoming law today (Tuesday), describing it as a ‘watershed moment’ for bus passengers.

The Bus Services (No. 2) Act builds on existing legislation, expanding it and making the powers available to all areas of the country so that they can choose their own course for bus - one which is best for their local communities.

The Urban Transport Group, the UK’s network of transport authorities, has previously advocated for a review of the existing legislation to help support better bus services in cities, towns and communities across England.

Jason Prince, Director of the Urban Transport Group, said:

“The Bus Services Act represents a watershed moment for the future of the bus. We now have legislation that provides all local leaders with greater powers and the ability to choose the right tools to improve their local bus networks and passengers’ experiences - ensuring these services are accessible, safe and attractive.

“We warmly welcome the Act and its recognition of the critical role that local areas play on the road to better buses.”

Among the range of measures set out in the Act, the Urban Transport Group specifically welcomes:

• new powers to all Local Transport Authorities to take control of their bus services
• the streamlining of the current franchising process, learning from our member’s experience to make the process more agile
• the strengthening of Enhanced Partnerships, building on the success of the best performing areas
• removing the ban on creating and running new local authority (municipal) bus companies
• the introduction of new requirements on accessibility and safety, to improve the passenger experience for all.

The Urban Transport Group will continue to work with Government to ensure the smooth implementation of the Act, enabling its members to access and use the new powers it provides to deliver better local bus services.