LGA: power over buses should be given to all councils

All councils should be able to commission their own bus services, not just those with elected mayors, local government leaders have demanded.

The proposed bus services bill unveiled in yesterday’s Queen’s Speech will limit powers to franchise services to areas with directly elected mayors.

But the Local Government Association (LGA) says giving such powers to all local authorities will help them deal with big predicted increases in road traffic and provide better services.

Cllr Peter Box, LGA transport spokesperson, said bus subsidies should also be devolved to councils.

He said giving councils control over the Bus Service Operators’ Grant – a fuel duty rebate paid directly to bus operators by the government – would help them support vital routes and the roll-out of smart ticketing.

‘With government forecasts of an increase in traffic levels of up to…