Bus Users UK has unveiled an eight-point plea to government in its 2026 Manifesto as part of its agenda to strengthen bus services for passengers.
As well as outlining its asks of Westminster, the charity has produced slightly adapted versions of the manifesto for each of Scotland and Wales, where national elections will be held on 7 May.
The manifesto calls on government to protect essential services with a defined minimum level of provision.
It also states the need for multi-year funding to support service levels rather than just vehicles or infrastructure.
Thirdly, Bus Users UK wants sustainable travel encouraged through better bus priority and combating congestion.
Accessibility is addressed via a request for national standards, mandatory disability awareness training and enforcement of priority spaces.
Bus Users UK further wants an extension of concessionary travel, with peak-time restrictions removed where applicable.
Simplified fares and payments is also on the agenda, mirroring the integrated ticketing aims that were outlined in the Integrated National Transport Policy announced today.
The charity is also campaigning for better passenger rights by means of robust regulatory standards and stronger independent representation.
Lastly, Bus Users UK is pushing for buses to be at the heart of national policy when it comes to planning for health, housing and employment.
Lydia Horbury, Chief Executive of Bus Users UK, says: “Our 2026 Manifesto calls on government to treat buses as essential national infrastructure, central to tackling inequality, driving economic growth and delivering on our climate ambitions.
“When bus services are accessible, reliable and properly integrated, they unlock opportunity, strengthen communities and connect people to the things that matter most. This is about putting passengers at the heart of policy and recognising the full value buses bring to society.”
