Bus service transparency
Absence of mandated transparent methodology and common standards for local authorities to determine and publish socially necessary bus services.
452 items
5 sources
Strongest theme matches
Mixed across source types and ranked by classifier confidence plus text match strength.
Committee recommendation
99match
#15 - Department's inadequate monitoring hinders identification and support for under-performing bus service areas.
Local transport authorities achieve very different levels of bus service and the Department’s lack of monitoring means it cannot identify under-performing areas and help them improve.31 The Department does not have standard measures or defined outcomes for reliability, affordability, frequency or other factors passengers value. The data it does collect are too late or inconsistent between local areas.32...
Matched on
terms: bus, service
Committee recommendation
99match
#3 - Finalise bus service performance measures and develop evaluation plan for interventions
The Department does not know how it will measure local transport authorities’ performance on bus services. Bus service performance varies significantly across the country, yet the Department does not have the data it needs to identify under-performing areas and help them improve. Such measures might include reliability, affordability, frequency or the number of bus services. Later this year,...
Matched on
terms: bus, service
NAO recommendation
99match
Improving local bus services in England outside London
e) the amount and form of funding, for both local authorities and operators, that is necessary to achieve the objectives of the bus strategy. The Department has already committed to providing a long-term funding model. It should work with MHCLG, HM Treasury and local government as part of wider local government funding discussions, to ensure that the various...
Matched on
terms: bus, service
Committee recommendation
94match
#14 - Require local authorities to identify and address unmet need for new bus services.
The Department should make clear that local transport authorities operating within Enhanced Partnerships should not only maintain existing socially necessary services but should also be expected to identify and address areas of unmet need and potential for new services. The Department’s vision should be for local authorities to preside over a renaissance in bus services, rather than simply...
Matched on
terms: bus, service
Committee recommendation
92match
#12 - Mandate local authorities publish methodology and develop common standards for socially necessary services.
The Department should mandate local transport authorities to publish a transparent methodology for how they determine which bus services qualify as socially necessary, to ensure public accountability. The Department should also develop common standards, and guidance, which the local formulas should take into account. This would enable residents to verify, for example, whether lists are based on objective...
Matched on
terms: bus, service
Committee recommendation
91match
#33 - Introduce a new regional bus performance metric to compare services and benchmark progress.
This vision should also be complemented by a new regional performance metric that enables meaningful comparison of services across different parts of the country. The metric should cover key indicators such as service frequency, reliability and passenger satisfaction, and it should be used to benchmark progress for improved connectivity across different local transport authorities. (Recommendation, Paragraph 118) 53
Matched on
terms: bus, service
Committee recommendation
91match
#23 - Department lacks insightful analysis explaining disparities in bus service performance across areas.
The Department’s focus, in what it told us, was on the best-performing local transport authorities around the country. This was at odds with experience in our constituencies, sometimes even in neighbouring counties.54 We questioned why there was such disparity in bus service performance in areas with otherwise similar characteristics. The Department could describe what happened in successful areas...
Matched on
terms: bus, service
Committee recommendation
91match
#20 - Enhanced partnerships demonstrate mixed success in improving bus services in rural areas.
We asked the Department whether the only way to deliver benefits to passengers was to pursue franchising, with the associated transfer of risks from the private to the public sector. The Department clarified that local transport authorities must choose between franchising and enhanced partnerships.45 It cited some examples of success achieved through enhanced partnerships, including in Cornwall where...
Matched on
terms: bus, service
Committee recommendation
86match
#31 - Devolving control alone is insufficient to deliver improved bus services without national strategic goals.
We welcome the Government’s reforms aimed at devolving greater control to local authorities. This will not on its own, however, be a sufficient vehicle for delivering all the positive outcomes the Minister described as wanting for bus services. There is no consensus that structural reform alone can achieve aims such as increased connectivity, better integration, and more affordable...
Matched on
terms: bus, service
Committee recommendation
86match
#20 - Lack of early access to operator data hinders bus franchising decisions
Lack of access to consistent data about current services to support business cases creates an unnecessary barrier to franchising. The Department’s approach puts the cart before the horse: local authorities need access to the full range of relevant information before deciding whether to pursue franchising. (Conclusion, Paragraph 77)
Matched on
terms: bus, service
Committee recommendation
85match
#13 - Statutory duty to list socially necessary services fails to address unmet needs.
The proposed statutory duty on local transport authorities to list socially necessary services applies only to those already in operation. There is no statutory requirement in the Bus Services (No.2) Bill for authorities to assess unmet needs or identify where new services might be required, although they may do so voluntarily. This creates a risk that gaps in...
Matched on
terms: bus, service
NAO recommendation
85match
Local bus services in England
DfT should identify further opportunities where it can support local transport authorities to deal with common issues and avoid duplication of effort by providing advice on standardised approaches or templates; DfT should look for this to include, for example, areas such as: ? support to various approaches to franchising; ? best practice for enhanced partnerships; and ? the...
Matched on
terms: bus, service
Committee recommendation
83match
#10 - Department's vision for bus services remains vague regarding specific improvements and timelines.
We asked the Department what good performance looks like and when bus services will get there. The Department told us that the bill it is, at time of writing, sponsoring through Parliament sets out a clear vision for the bus sector and that it wants a better-connected, more accessible, reliable, affordable, faster and safer bus system.18 The Department...
Matched on
terms: bus, service
Committee recommendation
82match
#5 - Current Bus Service Improvement Plan funding formula neglects distinct challenges of rural areas.
The Department’s shift to needs-based allocation of Bus Service Improvement Plan funding is a welcome and necessary step away from competition. However, the current formula does not explicitly reflect the distinct challenges faced by rural and more isolated areas, such as lower population density, longer journey distances and higher per- passenger operating costs. Without a dedicated rural weighting,...
Matched on
terms: bus, service
Committee recommendation
82match
#9 - UK bus services perform poorly, demonstrating inadequate connectivity and significant economic costs.
Bus services in the UK perform poorly compared to those in other European countries. Fewer people can reach local city centres within 30 minutes than the European average. This poor connectivity costs the UK economy more than £23 billion per year according to Centre for Cities.16 We questioned the Department on bus connectivity in comparison with neighbouring countries...
Matched on
terms: bus, service
Committee recommendation
82match
#1 - Report examines local bus services in England, excluding London
On the basis of a report by the Comptroller and Auditor General, we took evidence from the Department for Transport (the Department) on local bus services in England outside London.1 This report excludes bus services in London, which has for many years had a different delivery and funding model from the rest of England.
Matched on
terms: bus, service
Committee recommendation
81match
#8 - Fourth Report - Implementation of the National Bus Strategy
The Government made various commitments in the National Bus Strategy that we welcomed, as did many in the bus sector. It said it would provide new guidance on socially and economically necessary services and on bus franchising. It also suggested it would consider introducing a statutory requirement on local authorities to provide services deemed socially or economically necessary...
Matched on
terms: bus, service
Committee recommendation
78match
#8 - Reform the Bus Service Operators Grant to incentivise ridership growth in under-served areas.
The Department should, as soon as practicable, reform the Bus Service Operators Grant (BSOG). The overarching goal of reform should be to incentivise growth in ridership, particularly across under-served areas, for example instead of mileage the grant could be based on passenger journeys. (Recommendation, Paragraph 40)
Matched on
terms: bus, service
Committee recommendation
78match
#32 - Publish a new national policy for buses within 18 months with a clear vision.
The Government should within 18 months publish a new national policy for buses that sets out a clear vision for what a successful bus network looks like and what it should achieve. It should outline how buses interact 52 with policy objectives such as supporting economic growth, encouraging modal shift, improving affordability, reducing environmental impact and tackling regional...
Matched on
terms: bus, service
Committee recommendation
78match
#15 - Absence of national framework for bus stop infrastructure and real-time information
No national framework or clear design standard to improve the overall quality of bus stop infrastructure or real time information currently exists. Poor quality facilities like damaged shelters or seats and missing or inaccurate real time information undermine bus networks by deterring passengers. People without digital access, or whose bus stops are in black spots for mobile coverage,...
Matched on
terms: bus
Committee recommendation
77match
#21 - Fifth Report - Local government and the path to net zero
We urge the Government to make good on the welcome promises set out in the national bus strategy, in particular to give local authorities more control over bus services, and to explain as soon as possible how it plans to make sure local authorities have the necessary funding to provide high-quality public transport services in rural areas. We...
Matched on
terms: bus, service
Committee recommendation
74match
#17 - Local communities require greater transparency on how CIL receipts are spent.
It is important that existing local communities and new residents see the benefits of development, with new local and regional infrastructure being delivered alongside housing. This is especially the case when local authorities choose to pool CIL receipts to deliver large infrastructure projects. Whilst the Government should encourage local authorities to deliver strategic infrastructure using CIL receipts where...
Matched on
terms: transparency
Committee recommendation
74match
#14 - Complex patchwork of CIL coverage and charging schedules across England lacks transparency.
Around half of local planning authorities have adopted CIL, and its uptake has remained broadly unchanged for several years. There has been little progress towards addressing the complex patchwork of CIL coverage and charging schedules across England in the years since the 2016 CIL Review Group report. This complexity is further exacerbated by a lack of transparency of...
Matched on
terms: transparency
Committee recommendation
74match
#27 - Roll-out of real-time bus information faces challenges despite open data compliance.
Technology could vastly improve bus passengers’ experience on England’s buses. For example, providing live updates on when a bus will next be stopping would reduce uncertainty and help passengers plan their journeys.65 We asked the Department what it is doing to 58 Qq 9-10, 12, 73 59 Transformative Transport Service Design Initiative (LBS0010) 60 Later Life Ambitions (LBS0022)...
Matched on
terms: bus, service
Committee recommendation
74match
#25 - Disabled people face persistent barriers to bus use due to inaccessible information and infrastructure.
Disabled people face persistent barriers to bus use, including lack of accessible travel information at bus stops and on-board, inaccessible ticketing systems and bus doors, as set out in evidence submitted by Transformative Transport Service Design Initiative.59 Further evidence from Later Life Ambitions explains how cuts to bus services have contributed to older people losing their independence.60 We...
Matched on
terms: bus, service
Committee recommendation
73match
#2 - Fourth Report - Implementation of the National Bus Strategy
We welcome the funding for Bus Service Improvement Plans made available as part of the Government’s National Bus Strategy. It will do much good. Yet just over £1 billion is simply not enough money to produce real improvements in bus services across the country. Local areas were asked to be ambitious, but the Department has not matched this...
Matched on
terms: bus, service
Committee recommendation
73match
#20 - Fifth Report - Local government and the path to net zero
We welcome the ambition in the recent national bus strategy to increase bus usage and ensure cheaper and more reliable bus services across the country. In particular, we welcome its promise to give local authorities more control over bus services, either by agreeing Enhanced Partnerships with bus operators or by seeking franchising powers like those enjoyed by Transport...
Matched on
terms: bus, service
Committee recommendation
73match
#6 - 70th Report - Home-to-school transport
Better local transport options and an integrated approach to education and transport planning, would reduce home to school transport costs, particularly in the most rural settings. The ongoing decline of bus services, particularly in rural areas, is a long-standing concern for this Committee. It has reduced travel options and increased reliance on local-authority-provided home to school transport. A...
Matched on
terms: bus, service
Committee recommendation
73match
#1 - Significant disparities in public transport connectivity exist across UK communities.
In larger cities like London, getting from A to B can be as simple as turning up and boarding. In many smaller towns and rural areas, however, whole communities can be cut off with no service at all, or have services that run so infrequently that they do not meaningfully add to people’s transport options. Devolving greater control...
Matched on
terms: bus, service
Committee recommendation
73match
#16 - Department's evaluation programme lacks outcomes focus, providing poorly defined and unhelpful data.
The Department’s evaluation programme is focused on specific funding streams, rather than on the outcomes it wants to achieve. Its most recent attempt to collect data to understand the impact of its funding interventions was poorly defined and did not provide useful information.34 We asked the Department whether its grants had resulted in improvements to bus services.35 The...
Matched on
terms: bus, service
Committee recommendation
73match
#1 - Fourth Report - Implementation of the National Bus Strategy
The Bus Service Improvement Plan process has brought out the best in many local transport authorities and bus operators. We have been impressed by the ideas and innovation produced and the enthusiasm and commitment shown. We note the prevalence of bus priority plans as part of urban bids and demand-responsive transport schemes as part of rural ones, a...
Matched on
terms: bus, service
Committee recommendation
72match
#29 - 70th Report - Home-to-school transport
We asked about the role of local bus franchising, under which local authorities decide the routes, timetables and fares, in reducing reliance on local-authority-provided home to school transport. ADEPT explained that better working relationships between local transport and education authorities would encourage whole system conversations including better use of commercial bus services for school transport provision.70 The Department...
Matched on
terms: bus, service
Committee recommendation
70match
#21 - Establish framework for local authorities' early access to operator data for bus franchising
The Department should set out a clear framework to ensure that local transport authorities have early access to operator data on patronage, fares and costs when undertaking a statutory assessment for bus franchising. The framework should include defined timescales for data provision, guidance to enable consistent data gathering and safeguards for commercially sensitive information, enabling informed decisions before...
Matched on
terms: bus
Committee recommendation
70match
#17 - Bring forward proposals for guidance on integrating bus timetables with other transport modes
The Department should bring forward proposals as part of its upcoming Integrated National Transport Strategy for guidance on how local authorities and transport providers can achieve more effective integration between bus timetables and those of other transport modes. (Recommendation, Paragraph 65) Facilitating the transition to franchising
Matched on
terms: bus
PFD report
69match
Brian Chapman
Long-distance service buses traveling at high speeds on rural routes are exempt from seatbelt requirements, posing an unacceptable risk of death or injury to passengers in collisions.
Matched on
terms: bus, service
Committee recommendation
69match
#6 - Fourth Report - Implementation of the National Bus Strategy
The Government should commission and publish an independent analysis of the first tranche of Bus Service Improvement Plan funding. It should then consult on the structure and aims of a further disbursement of ‘transformation’ funding. Underpinning this should be a firm commitment to make available significant further funding to support the implementation of the National Bus Strategy. (Paragraph...
Matched on
terms: bus, service
Committee recommendation
68match
#15 - Fourth Report - Progress on devolution in England
The Government should consider the case for extending powers for Transport for London-style oversight of local buses to all transport authorities, whether combined or local authorities. Where transport services cross local authority boundaries, joint working relationships should be encouraged between the local authorities affected. Similarly, Network Rail, Highways England and other comparable bodies should be required to organise...
Matched on
terms: bus, service
Committee recommendation
66match
#16 - Establish minimum standards for bus stop facilities and real-time information provision
In order to increase ridership, the Department should establish minimum standards for bus stop facilities and the provision of real time information at bus stops where appropriate. While bus stops are used in different ways and a one-size-fits all approach may not be appropriate, improved bus stop standards should be a national aspiration. (Recommendation, Paragraph 64)
Matched on
terms: bus
Committee recommendation
66match
#28 - Technological improvements like bus prioritisation and integrated ticketing enhance the bus passenger experience.
Other technological improvements which local areas have made include bus prioritisation and ticketing. Nottingham and Derbyshire are using interactive signalling to prioritise buses at busy junctions.69 Speeding up bus journeys can also be achieved by simplifying ticketing. The Department told us that it is working with Greater Manchester and West Midlands to deliver more integrated and contactless ticketing...
Matched on
terms: bus
Committee recommendation
65match
#6 - Introduce a rural weighting into the BSIP funding formula for low-density areas.
The Department should consider introducing a rural weighting into its revised Bus Service Improvement Plan funding formula to reflect the higher per-passenger costs and structural challenges of serving low-density areas. This would help ensure that network improvement ambitions are not undermined by geographic disadvantage. (Recommendation, Paragraph 36)
Matched on
terms: bus, service
Committee recommendation
65match
#18 - Fourth Report - Implementation of the National Bus Strategy
Away from the National Bus Strategy, the sector is in a tough spot. Post-pandemic, many people’s lives have changed, and this has altered, perhaps permanently, when and where they wish to travel. Reduced patronage has left many services hanging by a thread, dependent on further extensions of the Government’s ostensibly short- Implementation of the National Bus Strategy 43...
Matched on
terms: bus, service
Committee recommendation
65match
#3 - Fourth Report - Implementation of the National Bus Strategy
The publication of the National Bus Strategy was greeted with enthusiasm across the country, but this has dissipated in the many areas which received no funding to put their ambitious plans into action. Allowing roughly half the country to miss out risks entrenching, and in some cases creating, a two-tier system in which bus services improve in one...
Matched on
terms: bus, service
LGO / SPSO decision
64match
21-006-938 - Leicestershire County Council
Summary: Mrs B complains the Council removed a fare paying school bus service without consulting parents. Mrs B says she relies on the service to get her child to school and has now had to change her working hours. The Ombudsman finds fault in the Council not consulting on the change and not reviewing its position following a...
Matched on
terms: bus, service
LGO / SPSO decision
64match
21-006-763 - Leicestershire County Council
Summary: Mrs B complains the Council removed a fare paying school bus service without consulting parents. Mrs B says she relies on the service to get her child to school and is now suffering significant financial loss due to having to work reduced hours. The Ombudsman finds fault in the Council not consulting on the change and not...
Matched on
terms: bus, service
LGO / SPSO decision
64match
21-015-623 - Leicestershire County Council
Summary: Mr B complains the Council removed a fare paying school bus service without consulting parents. Mr B says he relies on the service to get his child to school. He says the Council’s decision is having a significant financial impact as he needs to take time off work to take his child to school. The Ombudsman finds...
Matched on
terms: bus, service
LGO / SPSO decision
64match
23-018-794 - Thurrock Council
Summary: We will not investigate Mrs X’s complaint about the Council’s withdrawal of funding for a local bus service. This is because there is not enough evidence of fault affecting its decision.
Matched on
terms: bus, service
Committee recommendation
62match
#24 - Reduced bus usage by older and disabled people is not assured as genuine choice.
Older and disabled people are taking far fewer bus journeys than other passengers relative to pre-COVID bus usage; the number of concessionary journeys by older and disabled passengers is 29% lower than before COVID. The Department explained that fare paying passenger journeys are nearly at pre-COVID levels. However, because concessionary journeys make up a high proportion of total...
Matched on
terms: bus
PFD report
61match
Percy Gurton
The bus design was flawed, lacking a necessary safety barrier in front of the front passenger seat.
Matched on
terms: bus
Committee recommendation
60match
#28 - 70th Report - Home-to-school transport
We have previously raised concerns about the long-term decline of buses, particularly in rural areas.68 On home to school transport, the NAO reported that reductions in public transport services have increased reliance on local-authority-provided transport.69
Matched on
terms: bus, service
PFD report
57match
Martha Seaward
An acknowledged dangerous bus stop on a busy road has seen no action taken on long-standing concerns and feasibility studies for safety improvements, despite previous warnings.
Matched on
terms: bus