Region: Bristol

Better buses are on their way for passengers here in the West and across the country after the Government’s Bus Services Bill became law yesterday (27 October), marking a new dawn for bus travel in the UK.

Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, and Clare Moody, Police and Crime Commissioner for Avon & Somerset, have today welcomed the new legislation.

Buses remain the most used form of public transport across England. While passenger numbers in the West of England are now nearly back at pre-pandemic levels, with over 63.5 million journeys last year, around 300 million fewer miles were driven by bus services nationwide in 2024 compared to 2010.

The many reforms brought in by the Bus Services Act include plans to mandate staff, including drivers and those based at bus stations, to undertake training to recognise and handle incidents of anti-social behaviour and crime, including violence against women and girls.

click to open in a new windowAnnouncing the news, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said:

“For too long catching the bus has felt like an ordeal, with unreliable services and cuts to key routes meaning many communities, particularly those in rural areas, have been left isolated.

“The passing of our vital Bus Services Act will finally change this. By making it easier for local leaders to take control of their buses we are putting passengers first, improving access to jobs, education and tourism opportunities which are all vital to growing the economy – a fundamental part of our Plan for Change.”

Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, said:

“This new law will take the brake off our buses. Already here in the West, click to open in a new windownew green electric buses and some of our first night buses are starting to make a difference. Kids Go Free over the summer saw 910,000 free journeys, and got the next generation of passengers on board.

“Now, with the Bus Services Act as the law of the land, we have more options to go further. Working with councils and operators, we are looking closely at how best to deliver the bus network that local people need and deserve.

“With our bus grant set to be confirmed over the coming weeks, and our transport vision and bus plan, together we can tackle longstanding challenges and get the West moving.”

Clare Moody, Police and Crime Commissioner for Avon & Somerset, said: 

“These reforms are a proactive step toward public transport being safe spaces, tackling anti-social behaviour and improving protections for women and girls. Safe travel connects communities and I’m pleased to see our government making a real and lasting change for passengers.”

Original press release by the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority