New Delhi: The UK government has pledged £955 million to enhance bus services across England, aiming to end the “postcode lottery” of inconsistent bus routes and ensure fairer access to public transportation. This funding, allocated until 2026, will bolster bus services while keeping fares low, benefiting all regions of England, particularly those traditionally underserved, a press release stated.
This investment, according to the release, is part of a broader government initiative to reform the bus system. The goal is to create a more reliable and accessible bus system across the country, modeled after the successful London system.
The government will allocate £712 million to local authorities to improve bus services and £243 million to bus operators to ensure frequent and affordable services. This funding allocation will be based on need, deprivation levels, and population, eliminating competition for limited funds and accelerating decision-making. This represents a record level of investment in bus improvements in recent years, alongside a once-in-a-generation reform to deliver London-style bus services across the country.
The funding will help maintain high service levels in many urban areas while expanding service options in other areas. The investment will prevent service reductions on at-risk routes and improve punctuality across England, ultimately ending the “postcode lottery” of unreliable services.
This funding is intended to enhance popular routes, protect rural services, and increase bus use for shopping, socialising, and commuting, the release added.