This report examines the current state of bus service provision, focusing on the emergence of "transport deserts" in rural areas and the need for strategic government intervention. It highlights the misalignment between local transport authority (LTA) budgets and the growing need for sustainable, reliable public transport to meet net-zero targets.
The objective of this report is to analyze the challenges facing commercial and subsidized bus services. As identified in the Written Evidence (123414), current legislation does not mandate the provision of services to fill gaps in commercial provision, leading to significant regional disparities. 123414
To address these issues, the following measures are recommended: This report examines the current state of bus
Commit to improving bus speeds by 10% over the lifespan of Bus Service Improvement Plans (BSIPs) to increase service attractiveness and viability. 5. Conclusion As identified in the Written Evidence (123414), current
Decisions made by LTAs often struggle to align with national priorities such as the "levelling up" agenda and economic growth due to disparate calls on available budgets. 4. Strategic Recommendations
The Government should develop Strategic Transport Objectives that focus on sustainable transport (active travel and public transport) to provide LTAs with a clear mandate.