The Prime Minster has launched a new £3 billion Bus Strategy aimed at tackling the fragmented bus service market and reforming the fare system.
He said he wanted buses to “become the transport of choice” after the pandemic.
The strategy includes a new fare system with a daily price cap, all buses to accept contactless payments, as well as a new fleet of 4,000 electric or hydrogen-fuelled buses.
It also contains additional funding for councils to help support bus services in their communities.
Cllr Darren Rodwell, the LGA’s Transport Spokesperson, said: “We are pleased the Government is investing in improving local bus services, and it is good this strategy recognises the important role of councils.
“The coronavirus pandemic has shown how well councils and bus operators can work together to provide local bus services, which have been vital in ensuring essential workers can travel, and that places can continue to function.”
He added: “Councils want to work with government to make sure every community is able to access a local bus service.
“We would urge ministers to also plug the £700 million annual funding gap councils faced before the pandemic in providing the concessionary fares scheme, which would help to protect local routes and reverse the decline in bus services.”
