Buses connecting communities: Transport Committee launches new inquiry

The cross-party Committee will examine the effectiveness of recent government policies that have tried to reverse the decline in bus ridership, and look at what has worked in different regions and counties

Buses remain the most used form of public transport, but in many areas of England, services and passenger numbers are in decline. In its first inquiry of the 2024 Parliament, the Transport Committee will investigate the importance of England’s buses services in connecting rural communities with neighbouring towns and suburban areas, and how services can best be integrated into multi-modal transport networks. 

Evidence can be submitted until Friday 17 January 2025.

The Inquiry comes after the Government announced major reforms to the sector, and after the Autumn Budget saw the cap on a single bus fare retained but rise to £3. 

Chair of the Transport Committee Ruth Cadbury said:??"The statistics that show bus ridership falling off a cliff in many parts of the country are staggering, yet in some major cities there is still demand and faith in local services. 

“This inquiry will be about looking for ways to end the downward spiral of passengers giving up after seeing routes and timetables salami sliced.  

“It goes without saying that transport is the glue that holds communities together by enabling people, particularly outside big towns and cities, to socialise, get to work or school and spend their money with local businesses.  

“Scrutiny of how to revive bus services will be to everyone’s benefit, but particularly to young people, older residents and the less well off. 

“The Committee now welcomes written evidence submissions that will help get our inquiry off to the best start, help us ask the right questions and get the best answers.” 

The cross-party Committee will examine the effectiveness of recent government policies that have tried to reverse the decline in bus ridership, and look at what has worked in different regions and counties. Research by the Institute for Transport Studies indicates that rural bus services in England and Wales have seen footfall drop by 52% since 2008. Some local authorities have seen declines of over 80%, such as Hart in Hampshire, Fenland in Cambridgeshire, and Broxtowe in Nottinghamshire. 

The Committee will focus on evaluating whether innovations in the sector, such as smart ticketing or demand responsive transport, have helped improve public confidence in local bus services and spur demand. 

The inquiry will also be a chance for the Committee to analyse the success or otherwise of different operating models between local government and bus companies, including Enhanced Partnerships which were introduced in 2017, and to look at franchising (used in London and Manchester). 

MPs will also seek evidence about the social and economic impact of declining bus services and consider the broader value that well-run bus services can leverage for different communities.