Bus services in England may well gain a three-year funding settlement out of the spending review, Local Transport Minister Simon Lightwood has told routeone.
Despite having multiple caveats attached until any such position is confirmed, that will be a welcome prospect for the sector. Perhaps notably, Mr Lightwood’s language on the possibility of such an allocation has changed over the course of just six weeks.
In January, he was managing expectations. During early March, the narrative was bullish, although the minister continues to stress that the spending review outcome is upon what everything hinges. But would he offer such hope without insight into current mood music?
A three-year settlement, if it materialises, is not quite the five-year package that the bus industry in England seeks. But should either be forthcoming, the onus will be on the sector and its local authority partners to spend that money wisely.
Mr Lightwood speaks of “bang for your buck.” Delivering that will be critical for the industry to make a case to maintain a longer-term approach, although it will be heartening to hear him acknowledge how the previous can-kicking approach was ineffective.
Nothing is certain in politics, and Mr Lightwood’s lukewarm position on completing the long-drawn-out reform of BSOG in England may be unexpected.
But if the bus industry gets what it seeks from the spending review, it and stakeholders will need to be on their A game to ensure that outcomes for passengers are worthwhile. Ministers will demand results, which must not be forgotten if good news is forthcoming.
