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Bus Services Bill empowers councils to protect ‘socially necessary services’

The proposed act will mean local authorities can stop companies from axing key routes, regardless of profitability.

Passing its second reading in the House of Commons yesterday, Monday 2nd June 2025, the Bus Services Bill forms part of Labour’s Plan for Change and is part of a wider response to a sharp fall in public transport availability under the previous government. 

Buses are the most frequently used form of public transport, however 300million miles of routes outside London were lost between 2010 and 2024. Services are heavily relied upon by commuters and vulnerable communities alike, and are a significant contributor to low and zero emission transport transition and wider net zero goals.

Downing Street is currently in the process of investing £38million in a bid to bring 319 new zero carbon buses to areas across England, with almost £1billion being spent on infrastructure including stops and digital timetables.

‘The new buses bill will finally put a halt to the decimation of socially necessary services after years of unregulated cuts that have left many vulnerable people and low-income and rural communities stranded. This is a good first step in the right direction, but more local action is needed,’ said Professor Karen Lucas, Director of Manchester Urban Institute.

Under the new rules, councils will have the power to identify ‘socially necessary local services’ and, working with bus operators, introduce strict requirements on how these can be changed or cancelled. The hope is this will guarantee ongoing provision on routes that would otherwise have been scrapped. Those used by disabled and disadvantaged passengers should be prioritised. 

Marking the successful second reading, Local Transport Minister Simon Lightwood engaged the public and press from Blackpool, where the Blackpool Transport buses are now locally controlled. Passengers were on hand to share their thoughts on how this had changed accessibility and availability. In 2023, Greater Manchester became the first region outside London to gain council control over bus services after decades of privatisation. 

‘We’re committed to giving local leaders the power to shape the bus services their communities rely on. Our Bus Services Bill is a big step forward, protecting vital services that people depend on to get to work, school, or essential appointments,’ said Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander. ‘We have taken a decisive step towards better buses, building on our £1 billion investment to improve and maintain bus services, keeping people connected, driving up living standards and growing the economy in line.’

Image: Majestic Lukas  / Unsplash 

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