Thousands of bus passengers across England are set to benefit from more reliable and safer journeys after the government’s Bus Services Act officially became law last night, ushering in what

ministers describe as “a new dawn for bus travel.”

The legislation, championed by Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander, gives local leaders greater power to shape their own bus networks — aiming to end years of unreliable services, sudden route cuts, and dwindling passenger trust.

Putting passengers first

Under the new law, councils will be able to take control of bus services in their areas, deciding what works best for their communities. The Act also removes the long-standing ban on local authorities setting up their own bus companies, allowing them to operate services directly when private operators fail to meet demand.

Crucially, the legislation will tighten rules on cancelling vital routes, protecting passengers—particularly those in rural areas, or who are elderly or disabled—from being cut off from essential connections. Operators will now have to meet strict criteria before withdrawing or altering socially necessary services.

Safer and more inclusive journeys

In a move to improve safety, especially for women and girls, the Act introduces mandatory training for drivers and bus station staff on handling incidents of anti-social behaviour and crime. This forms part of a wider effort to make public transport feel safer and more welcoming for all passengers.

A boost for local economies

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: “For too long catching the bus has felt like an ordeal, with unreliable services and cuts to key routes meaning many communities, particularly those in rural areas, have been left isolated.

The passing of our vital Bus Services Act will finally change this.  By making it easier for local leaders to take control of their buses we are putting passengers first, improving access to jobs, education and tourism opportunities which are all vital to growing the economy – a fundamental part of our Plan for Change».

The government has pledged additional funding for local authorities to support the rollout of the new system, with allocations to be announced in the coming weeks.

Cutting red tape and expanding franchising

The Act will also streamline the process for bus franchising, enabling councils to set fares and routes while private operators run the day-to-day services. This system—already in use in Greater Manchester—is expected to expand more rapidly under the new law.

Pilot schemes are already underway in York and North Yorkshire, Cornwall, Cumbria, Hertfordshire, and Cheshire West and Chester, testing how local authorities can use franchising to transform rural and regional bus networks.

A turning point for public transport

With bus usage having fallen sharply—around 300 million fewer miles were driven by bus services in 2024 compared to 2010—the government hopes the reforms will restore trust in a mode of transport still used by millions every day.

For passengers long frustrated by unreliable timetables and disappearing routes, the Bus Services Act signals a long-awaited shift: a future where local communities, not distant operators, decide how their buses run.

Corinne Pluchino, Chief Executive of Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE), said: 

“The lack of reliable, affordable public transport in rural areas is a widespread problem which impacts on those in greatest need and holds back economic growth.  We welcome the new measures to require the identification and listing of socially necessary local services, and new requirements if bus operators want to cancel or change them. This is an important first step to achieving better rural bus services, and ACRE looks forward to working with government to ensure the Act delivers positive change for rural communities”.

Paul Nowak, General Secretary, TUC said: 

“This landmark Bus Bill is great news for the hundreds of thousands of workers across the country who rely on our bus networks to get to and from work each day. The government is turning the page on the failed era of bus privatisation – and returning to a system that puts ordinary people above profits and shareholder returns. We’ve already seen the real difference that effective franchising can make in places like Manchester. It’s now vital that local leaders work in partnership with the bus workforce to make the most of the opportunities offered by the Bill”.

Jason Prince, Director of the Urban Transport Group, said:

“The Bus Services Act represents a watershed moment for the future of the bus. We now have legislation that provides all local leaders with greater powers and the ability to choose the right tools to improve their local bus networks and passengers’ experiences – ensuring these services are accessible, safe and attractive. We warmly welcome the Act and its recognition of the critical role that local areas play on the road to better buses”.