All councils should be able to commission their own bus services, not just those with elected mayors, local government leaders have demanded.
The proposed bus services bill unveiled in yesterday's Queen's Speech will limit powers to franchise services to areas with directly elected mayors.
But the Local Government Association (LGA) says giving such powers to all local authoritiies will help them deal with big predicted increases in road traffic and provide better services.
Cllr Peter Box, LGA transport spokesman, said bus subsidies should also be devolved to councils.
He said giving councils control over the Bus Service Operators' Grant – a fuel duty rebate paid directly to bus operators by the Government – would help them support vital routes and the roll-out of smart ticketing.
'With government forecasts of an increase in traffic levels of up to 55% by 2040, the ability for local areas to take responsibility for bus services through the option of franchising and greater access to buses data will help councils struggling to avoid gridlock on their roads and local people to access vital services.
'Franchising should be available to all local authorities who wish to improve bus services in towns, villages and rural areas that are poorly served at present. It should not depend on having a directly-elected mayor.'
