Bus Services Bill to cut congestion

The Bus Services Bill is hoping to boost passenger use of buses, cut congestion and deliver economic growth.

The Department for Transport claims that rush hour congestion in city centres would be 21 per cent higher without buses, costing millions of pounds in lost time.

With over 4.65 billion bus journeys completed last year, the new Bill will provide councils with the powers to work in partnership with companies to improve journeys for passengers, and bring in new technologies, such as on-board Wi-Fi.

At present, councils have to invest in costly new infrastructure before they can create a partnership – even if it is unnecessary. Bus franchising will be open to regions with an elected mayor, and will be an option for other regions with permission from the Transport Secretary.

Roads Minister Andrew Jones said: “Good bus services can help cut congestion and deliver better journeys for hard-working people, helping them get around and get on. We are determined to increase bus usage and these measures are designed to give councils access to a range of powers to help deliver regular, reliable services for all.

“We are also looking to end the frustration of not knowing when the next service will turn up, by giving software developers the data they need to produce new apps.”