'Governments all failed to turn bus services around'

ATTEMPTS by successive governments to improve bus services and attract more passengers have failed, according to the spending watchdog.

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Services have been reduced and passenger numbers are below pre-coronavirus levels, a report by the National Audit Office (NAO) said.

The study, which covers England outside London, warned that the sector's commercial viability has weakened as revenues have fallen and costs have risen.

It warned that rural and suburban areas face a “cycle of decline” whereby services are withdrawn because of low demand, which leads to a further fall in passenger numbers and more cuts.

Most local bus services are run by private companies, who set routes and timetables aimed at making a profit.

Some services seen as socially necessary are financially supported by local transport authorities.