LGA responds to government bus strategy

"We are pleased the Government is investing in improving local bus services, and it is good this strategy recognises the important role of councils".

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Responding to the launch of the Government’s new bus strategy, Cllr Darren Rodwell, Local Government Association 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.

 “Councils want to work with government to make sure every community is able to access a local bus service. We would urge government 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.

 “It is good the Government is also going to consult on reforming the Bus Services Operators’ Grant. Handing councils control over this funding would enable them to provide a more efficient and climate-friendly bus service that meets the needs of local communities.”