The state of England’s buses: Transport Committee kicks off evidence sessions for new inquiry
The state of England’s bus services will be examined by the Transport Committee as it holds the first sessions of its Buses connecting communities inquiry.
Meeting details
Buses remain the most-used mode of public transport in the country, despite a sharp decline in passenger numbers from a peak of 4.6 billion in 2008/09 to 3.6 billion in 2023/24.
In this first session, MPs will question experts from Unite, the operator First Group and local government, as well as academics and representatives of think tanks.
MPs will examine how recent government policies—such as the National Bus Strategy, the fare cap (which rose to £3 this year), and funding settlements for local councils—have impacted bus services, particularly in improving connectivity. They will also consider whether the new Buses Bill could address ongoing connectivity challenges and strengthen bus networks.
There will be questions about the role of buses in integrated transport networks that also involve cycling, walking, parking and train services.
In a second panel, the Committee will hear evidence about the social and economic impacts of poor bus connectivity in rural and suburban areas.
Research by the Institute for Transport Studies indicates that rural bus services in England and Wales have dropped by 52% since 2008. Some local authorities have seen declines of over 80%; including Hart in Hampshire, Fenland in Cambridgeshire, and Broxtowe in Nottinghamshire.
MPs will also ask about workforce problems facing the sector.
The session comes after the cross-party Committee recently published over 120 evidence submissions received during its call for evidence.