Government announces £80m to improve and protect bus services
It's hoped the money will protect essential bus services
The Department for Transport says million of people across England will benefit from lower fares, improved reliability and better bus services following the funding announcement.
The £80m will be split between 64 local authorities for 2024 to 2025.
Local leaders can then use it to bring in new services or routes, extend timetables through new morning or evening buses, or make tickets cheaper for elderly or young people.
The Government says it wants authorities to choose how it's spent depending on what is most valuable in their local area.
They say the money can also be used to protect services with low passenger numbers, so that people who rely on them for essential services can continue to get the bus.
Government Roads Minister Richard Holden said: "Buses are the most popular form of public transport and millions of people across the country from the Tees Valley to Torbay rely on their local service to get to work, attend medical appointments and see loved ones.
"We are providing a further £80 million to help local authorities improve and protect essential services, delivering for local communities across the country by enhancing transport connections, supporting passengers and growing the economy.
It comes on top of a further £140m which was announced back in May.
Janette Bell, Managing Director of First Bus, said: "We welcome the certainty provided by today’s confirmation of the next tranche of local authority funding allocations. We look forward to working together with our local authority partners to deliver the best services possible for our customers.
"At First Bus, we are driven by a passion to get more people using the bus and we welcome any funding that makes taking the bus an easier travel choice."
"Get Around for £2"
Previous Government investment has seen £200 million go into extending the bus fare cap, with single bus tickets capped at £2 outside London until the end of October 2023, and then at £2.50 until 30th November 2024.
Silviya Barrett, from Campaign for Better Transport, said: “We’re pleased the £2 bus fare cap we campaigned for has been a success, reducing fares and boosting passenger numbers.
“The additional funds for local authorities announced today are also welcome and we hope that this is just the start of ongoing investment in bus networks across the country.”
According to a report out today on the "Get Around for £2" scheme, it has so far encouraged people to get back on the bus, with almost half of respondents saying the fare cap is the main reason they are using the bus more.
Over 50 million single bus tickets were sold in England over January and February, two-thirds of which were capped.