'Cycle of decline' as Govt attempts to woo back bus passengers fails

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

- by STAFF REPORTER

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 declined and costs have increased.

It warned that rural and suburban areas face a “cycle of decline” where services are withdrawn because of low demand, which then leads to fewer passengers and more cuts.

Most local bus services are run by private companies, which set routes and timetables aimed at making a profit. Some services seen as socially necessary are financially supported by local transport authorities.

Public funding to bus operators accounted for half their revenue in 2023-24, £1.8 billion. In February 2020, then-Conservative prime minister Boris Johnson pledged £3bn in funding over five years for buses.