November 17, 2024, 10:57 a.m.

The Government has pledged to deliver “London-style” buses across the country thanks to a £1 billion funding boost.

A huge increase in the government budget will see bus services across the country overhauled.

The recovery plans, confirmed by the Department for Transport (DfT) last month, are due to come into force in 2025.

The DfT has committed to launching “London-style” services across the country.

The department’s plans will involve assessing areas of the country based on population and deprivation levels, then allocating the budget based on these factors.

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The aim is to prevent certain areas from competing for investments, as has been the case in previous years.

Around 3.4 million people in England regularly use bus services.

Buses are the most used mode of public transport.

The plans will involve “£712 million” allocated to improving local services, while “£243 million” will be allocated to bus services.

The ministry has outlined six main areas which will benefit from “unprecedented” funding.

These are Leicester, Isle of Wight, Torbay, Southend, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.

Transport Secretary Louise Haigh told the Sunday Mirror: “It’s simple: buses need to be available, affordable and on time. Our funding helps them do just that.”

Ms Haigh continued: “This represents a record capital investment in the majority of locations and a first-of-its-kind reform plan which aims to deliver London-style buses to every corner of the country, including areas usually neglected . »

The DfT explained that the funding will allow local authorities to create new bus routes while improving the frequency and operation of services.

The ministry suggests this will help small rural towns access more services while urban areas maintain their high level of service.

The plan comes ahead of the Buses Bill, which is expected to give new powers to local transport authorities across the country.

Other government plans include the possible lifting of the ban on public bus companies.

Last month, single bus fares outside London increased to £3, and will remain in place until the end of next year.

An additional “£151 million” will be allocated to fund a cap on single bus fares outside of London.

Sir Ed Davey, Lib Dem leader, told the BBC: “The increase in the fare cap is like a bus tax on people across the country, impacting bus users and commuters who are already struggling to get make ends meet.

“MPs must have their say on this bus fare hike on behalf of their constituents.”

The DfT explained that the price cap proposed by the previous Conservative government was due to expire at the end of this year.

The department insists single bus fares would have increased if the current Labor government had not intervened.

Speaking to the BBC, a DfT spokesperson said: “Fares will only be able to increase in the normal way with inflation, and the £3 fare cap will result in savings of up to 80% on some routes , keeping bus tickets affordable everywhere. the country.”