Transport Committee launches inquiry on ending downward spiral in bus services

In its first inquiry of the new Parliament, the House of Commons’ Transport Committee is to 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.

The cross-party Committee will also examine the effectiveness of recent government policies that have tried to reverse the decline in bus ridership while looking at delivery models and 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, but with some local authorities seeing declines of over 80%.

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 increased demand.

The inquiry will also be a chance for the Committee to analyse different operating models between local government and bus companies, including enhanced partnerships which were introduced in 2017, and franchising which is the approach used in London and more recently 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.

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 in local services. This inquiry will be about looking for ways to end the downward spiral.

“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.”

Written evidence submissions should be made via the Committee’s website by 17 January 2025.