Ellie Ames 19 July 2023

Rural bus services at ‘historic low’

Rural bus services at ‘historic low’ image
Image: Peter Titmuss / Shutterstock.com.

One in four bus routes in county and rural areas have vanished over the last decade as passenger numbers dropped to a historic low, according to a new report.

The report, produced by public transport consulting group SYSTRA, found that bus services in rural areas were already in a state of ‘managed decline’ before problems were worsened by the pandemic.

It said the Government’s National Bus Strategy, launched in 2021, had done little to help because two thirds of its funding went to urban areas, despite towns and cities seeing the smallest declines in passenger numbers.

The 37 largest county and rural authorities made bus service improvement plan bids totaling £3.6bn but received just 10% of this, the research found.

The report, which was commissioned by the County Councils Network (CCN), said there had been a lack of clarity around why some bids had been unsuccessful and said there should be clear criteria for how future funding allocations are decided.

With funding gaps in their local transport budgets, councils in rural and county areas were struggling to continue to subsidise bus services deemed unviable by commercial operators, the research found.

Cllr Stephen Giles-Medhurst, transport spokesperson for the CCN, said: ‘Buses have long been a lifeline for many people in rural areas, particularly the elderly and the disadvantaged.

‘But outside of London and the cities, far too many services are at best, patchy, and at worst, non-existent.

‘We had high hopes for the Government’s National Bus Strategy, especially as the support for services during the pandemic was comprehensive.

‘But many county areas were left feeling let down with their funding allocations, with the majority of fund being directed to the places that arguably needed the least help.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Head of Democratic Services, Elections & Monitoring Officer

Harborough District Council
Grade 12 £67,236 – £71,223 plus £3000pa Statutory Officer Allowance
We are looking for an accomplished and proactive leader for our vacant post of Head of Democratic Services & Elections Market Harborough, Leicestershire
Recuriter: Harborough District Council

Social Worker- Family Support and Safeguarding - Witney

Oxfordshire County Council
£37035 - £47754
You will manage a caseload tailored to your experience, ensuring that children’s and their families’ voices are heard, and their needs are met. You will work with families using the Family Support and Safeguarding Workbook modules, and a strengths-bas Witney
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Social Worker - Family Support and Safeguarding - Bicester Banbury

Oxfordshire County Council
£37035 - £47754
You will manage a caseload tailored to your experience, ensuring that children’s and their families’ voices are heard, and their needs are met. You will work with families using the FSP Workbook modules, and a strengths-based approach, ensuring the As Bicester
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Executive Director of Resources & Governance (S151 Officer)

Basildon Borough Council
Up to £146,245
Together, we lead. Together, we deliver. Together, we transform. Basildon, Essex
Recuriter: Basildon Borough Council

Executive Director of Homes, Communities & Environment

Basildon Borough Council
Up to £146,245
Together, we lead. Together, we deliver. Together, we transform. Basildon, Essex
Recuriter: Basildon Borough Council
Linkedin Banner