Better priority measures in England that improve bus average speeds by 10% would generate 147 million additional passenger trips per year, according to an independent analysis carried out on behalf of the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT).
That is the equivalent to every bus trip in Greater Manchester. Through a positive effect on operators’ bottom lines, it would unlock funding to buy 1,600 new zero-emission vehicles, the Confederation adds.
It is thus once more calling for “bold measures” to provide greater priority for buses, with the acceleration able to deliver a claimed £5 billion of economic benefits in England. CPT says that a 10% increase in bus speeds would be transformational “not only for public transport but for the wider economy.”
Research it commissioned has found that buses in England typically travel at an average speed of 7.1mph in London, and 11.7mph outside the capital. The figures are calculated by taking miles run and dividing that by hours of operation as reported by operators.
The trade body adds that better priority measures for buses would allow those speeds to be “comfortably” improved by one-tenth, reducing passengers’ journeys and the amount of time wasted, and delivering better reliability.
Such a step would enhance 2.6 billion of the 3.6 billion bus journeys already taken per year in England, and improve the attractiveness of the mode to generate the 147 million extra trips.
The sought-after 10% increase in bus average speeds would reduce operating costs by 7.5%, saving £511 million per year. The 4% uplift in patronage would generate £164 million in extra revenue.
When combined, that £675 million would pay for 1,600 new zero-emission buses, or fund 135 million miles of additional services. The £5 billion of overall economic benefits is equivalent to £210 for every household in England.
The work on average bus speeds in England follows similar studies in Scotland and Wales earlier in 2026, and repeated calls from CPT for action. On a granular level, the England-centred analysis found that average speeds are:
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- 7.8mph in congested urban areas
- 9.5mph in other cities and conurbations
- 11.5mph in suburban areas
- 13.2mph on rural or interurban networks.
CPT Chief Executive Graham Vidler notes that congestion and roadworks-related disruption are the culprits for such poor returns.
“Passengers often tell us that if they could rely on shorter, more consistent journey times, they would travel by bus more frequently,” he says. “This analysis sets out the true prize within our grasp if local authorities took bolder steps in prioritising buses.
“A 10% improvement in bus speeds would be a true gamechanger – it would create a virtuous circle by attracting more customers, generating more revenue, and unlocking investment for new vehicles and more frequent services.
“At a time when the government is keen for ideas to improve productivity, this is a clear and evident way to generate a £5 billion boost for the economy.”
