This is poised to be a pivotal one for buses in the UK. After the flurry of promises made in 2024, dominated by the Better Buses Bill, the focus now shifts to delivery. With Greater Manchester leading the way, having just launched the final phase of its franchising scheme, the nation is watching closely to see how this bold new vision for public transport unfolds.
What the Better Buses Bill Promises:
The Bill aims to revolutionise bus services by:
- Increasing local control:
- Empowering all local authorities to franchise bus services, giving them control over routes, timetables, and fares.
- Lifting the ban on publicly owned bus companies.
- Improving services:
- Holding private operators accountable for service quality.
- Prioritising the social and economic needs of communities, including those in rural areas.
Challenges on the Road Ahead:
While the Bill lays the groundwork for change, significant challenges remain:
- Funding disparities: Funding for bus services varies drastically across England (in our analysis from £23 per person per year in Stoke on Trent, to £2.70 in Swindon), potentially leading to uneven service provision and a "brain drain" from underfunded areas.
- Expertise gaps: Smaller authorities may struggle to compete with larger, better-resourced transport teams, potentially hindering effective implementation.
- Sustained investment: Long-term investment in local authorities is crucial for the Bill's success, but not guaranteed in the current economic climate.
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Learning from Manchester:
As other regions like West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, and the West Midlands embark on their franchising journeys, the lessons learned from Greater Manchester will be invaluable. While the Bill simplifies some aspects of franchising, challenges like funding, expertise, and sustained investment require ongoing attention. And of course, franchising won’t be the answer everywhere - there is still plenty of scope to further improve business as usual in Enhanced Partnerships up and down the country.
The Road to Better Buses:
The Better Buses Bill has the potential to transform public transport in the UK. However, its success hinges on addressing the challenges ahead and ensuring consistent, equitable implementation across all regions.
How Optibus Can Help:
During this period of change, Optibus can help make sense of the variables such as passenger needs, operational constraints, and tight budgets. Our Strategic Planning tools can help planners find the balance with a network that is efficient, equitable, and affordable, turning strategies into reliable, real-world services. Get in touch to learn more about how Optibus can support you on your franchising journey.
And check out what we offer for better bus management in the UK: https://optibus.com/transforming-uk-public-transport/
