Up to 15% of bus services could be cut unless government funding for the industry in England continues after the end of June, according to a Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT) estimate made after consultation with its members.
While CPT also forecasts that £260 million per year would be needed to maintain current services after the scheduled end of the Bus Recovery Grant (BRG), it also publishes results of a public survey that shows the huge potential impact of widespread cuts.
The trade body’s warning of the risk to more than one in seven services outside London in England comes alongside concern over the effect that might have on commuters.
The Optimum survey, which was commissioned by CPT, showed that nearly 60% of bus passengers are worried about increased costs and how they would get to work in the event of bus service reductions.
This figure was higher in the case of low-earners (68%), those who did not drive regularly (71%) and those with disabilities (64%), according to the poll of 2,050 people in April 2023.
It also revealed that 59% of bus commuters were concerned their journey could be made more difficult. Further, 49% of those without a full driving licence worry about finding an alternative mode of transport.
Graham Vidler, CPT Chief Executive Officer, says: “With over a million people travelling to work every day by bus, we know how important buses are to levelling up communities by keeping them connected to the jobs market.
“With the risk of service reductions looming, this new research shows that people are clearly worried about getting to work as well as having to spend more by travelling by car or being cut off all together.
“If the Government is really serious about levelling up and getting people back into the workplace, then it needs to back our buses for the long term.”
In February, the BRG and Bus Fare Cap Grant Scheme were extended a further three months as part of a £155 million package of support.
Hopes of a replacement funding mechanism have been raised over recent months. Secretary of State for Transport Mark Harper told the Transport Committee on 19 April: “I will set out in Parliament what out longer-term plans will be in due course.” Under-Secretary of State for Transport Richard Holden also hinted that more funding could be on the cards when speaking at the UK Bus and Coach Conference on 30 March.
