The UK Department for Transport (DfT) has announced that the Bus Services Bill has become law, now referred to as the Bus Services Act.
The act aims to grant greater powers to local authorities over their bus services, the devolution of power enabling each to franchise, select timetables and decide routing.
The government will now empower councils to identify services which they deem as socially necessary, meaning strict requirements must be followed if operators wish to cancel or change them.
The bill was first introduced into the House of Lords December 2024, with the passing of the bill into law now ending the risk of routes being scrapped at short notice by tightening the requirements for cancelling vital routes.
The Bus Services Act also includes 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.
UK 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.”
Achievements and innovations in public transport planning will be recognised and celebrated at the fourth annual CiTTi Awards on 25 November 2025 at De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London. Visit www.cittiawards.co.uk to learn more about this unmissable event for the UK’s transportation sector!
