The government has announced new funding to support, improve, and protect vital bus services across England.
Transport Secretary Louise Haigh confirmed earlier this week that a total of £955 million will be invested, comprising £712 million allocated to local authorities to enhance bus services and £243 million directed to bus operators to maintain lower fares and increase service frequency.
This funding builds on the £150 million already provided to cap bus fares at a maximum of £3 and is in addition to the £200 million City Region Sustainable Transport Settlements announced in the recent budget.
The government stated that every region in England would benefit, with significant funding allocated to areas such as Leicester, the Isle of Wight, Torbay, Cambridgeshire, and Peterborough.
These areas are set to receive unprecedented levels of support.
Transport Secretary Louise Haigh said: “Too often, passengers are left waiting hours for buses that don’t turn up – and some have been cut off altogether.
“That’s why we’re reforming funding to deliver better buses across the country and end the postcode lottery of bus services.
“And it’s why we’re providing over £1bn of funding to keep fares down, protect local routes and deliver more reliable services.”
Haigh also highlighted that this funding forms part of a broader strategy to prioritise passengers and empower communities to take greater control of bus services through franchising and public ownership.
The government described the funding as a "lifeline" for critical routes, particularly those connecting towns and hospitals, ensuring reliable transport for patients needing access to vital appointments.
Urban areas receiving the largest allocations include South Yorkshire (£17 million) and the Liverpool City Region (nearly £21 million).
In rural areas, significant funding has been earmarked for counties such as Lancashire (£27 million), Kent (£23 million), Essex (£17 million), and Norfolk (£15 million).
Alison Edwards, Director of Policy and External Relations at the Confederation of Passenger Transport, welcomed the funding and its equitable distribution across the English regions.