Legislation being introduced before Parliament is making it possible for local leaders across England to take control of their bus services.

This move means that local leaders across the country can deliver services in a way that suits their communities’ needs.

These powers, until now, had only been limited to mayoral combined authorities.

It will, believes Transport Secretary Louise Haigh, be the first stop on the journey to better buses.

The government has also launched a consultation on new draft guidance to provide advice and support for local leaders looking to bring services into public control. This new, simplified guidance will help break down barriers to local control of bus services, speeding up the process and lowering costs.

The guidance will also put the needs of passengers and bus drivers first – by encouraging local transport authorities to consider driver welfare and passenger safety, including anti-social behaviour and violence against women and girls.

The new Buses Bill, which will follow the first statutory instrument, will, believes the government, end the current postcode lottery by taking steps to improve bus services no matter where you live.

Buses remain the most used form of public transport across the country, but – after almost 4 decades of failed deregulation – vital services have been slashed and there is little accountability to passengers.

Modernising the transport infrastructure and delivering better buses is at the heart of the government’s plan to kickstart economic growth in every part of the country and get the country moving. 

Transport Secretary, Louise Haigh, said: “Buses are the lifeblood of our communities, but for too many people it has become impossible to rely on local services, as routes have been slashed and timetables hollowed out.  

“This is the first stop on our journey to deliver a better bus service across the country. After decades of failed deregulation, local leaders will finally have the power to provide services that deliver for passengers.

“We are taking steps to support local leaders in delivering improved bus services, and with local communities firmly back in the driving seat, our bus revolution will save vital routes up and down the country and put passengers first.