£34.5 million funding for bus services in Bucks, Beds and Herts
It's hoped the money will help enhance popular routes, protect rural services and increase bus use for shopping, socialising and commuting
Last updated 18th Nov 2024
Millions of pounds of new funding is to be spent improving and protecting crucial bus services across Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire.
It's part of more than £1 billion the Government's set aside to support buses while keeping fares low.
Around £34.5 million will be given to the three counties, with Hertfordshire County Council receiving the most funding, with £12,226,982.
Luton Borough Council has been allocated £6,332,356, more than other councils in Bedfordshire combined.
Central Bedfordshire Council's been given £3,018,200, and Bedford Borough Council £2,494,513.
Authorities in Buckinghamshire will receive just under £10.5 million, with the County Council getting £6,756,092.
Milton Keynes Council has received £3,684,909.
Transport Secretary Louise Haigh says the funding settlement will mean 'many more urban areas will be able to maintain their high levels of service – while other areas will be able to offer more services'.
It's also hoped the money will help enhance popular routes, protect rural services and increase bus use for shopping, socialising and commuting, whilst preventing service reductions on at-risk routes and improve punctuality across England.
The Transport Secretary said: “The value of regular and reliable bus services cannot be understated.
“For far too long, the East of England has been suffering from unreliable services with buses hugely delayed, or not even turning up at all.
“This funding kickstarts the bus revolution to bring an end to the postcode lottery of bus services, drive economic growth and make sure people have proper access to jobs and opportunities.
“We’ve already committed over £150million to extend the bus fare cap and keep fares low and this nearly £1billion of further funding will mean local routes are protected, reliability is improved and the passenger is put first.”