Bus Services Bill a step closer – watchdog comment

17 December 2024

Commenting as the Government introduces the Bus Services Bill in the House of Lords, Transport Focus director David Sidebottom said:

“This is a significant moment in the reform of bus services, and it is vital passengers are at the heart of how the changes are implemented. Protecting lifeline bus services, especially those which serve rural or deprived communities, is a welcome step.

“Passengers tell us in our survey they want their bus to turn up on time, without a long wait, and to reach their destination as set out in the timetable. For the Government’s bus revolution to become a reality, operators and local authorities must now deliver on these basics better to drive further improvements and attract more people back onto buses.”

 

Background

Transport Focus’s Your Bus Journey survey results show significant variation in passenger satisfaction across the country for waiting times and bus punctuality.

Passengers in East Riding of Yorkshire and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole are the most satisfied overall with their journey at 90 per cent. While passengers in West Yorkshire were the least satisfied with 73 per cent.

67 per cent of fare paying passengers say they are satisfied with value for money.