A Liberal Democrat government would increase bus franchising powers for local authorities (LAs) in England and proceed with “simplifying funding” for services so that routes can be restored and added “especially in rural areas,” the party’s manifesto has outlined.
Under a Conservative government, bus services have been left “in rapid decline,” the document states. If elected, the Lib Dems would also maintain the £2 bus fare cap grant in England outside London while fares are the subject of a “review.”
While that review is not specifically detailed, the manifesto notes that the Lib Dem party would work to integrate bus, rail and light rail ticketing, including via a daily cap. LAs would gain powers to introduce “network-wide” ticketing.
The party would also extend half-fares on modes includes buses to 18-year-olds, and work with operators to introduce what it terms a “Young Person’s Buscard.” That would give those aged 19-25 a third off bus and tram fares. Such a product would be from a similar mould to the Young Person’s Railcard.
Seemingly having heeded some of the bus industry’s calls on funding, the Lib Dem manifesto says that as part of a bus-boosting package it would replace multiple streams for the mode with one pot to expand services and introduce zero-emission vehicles.
In the meantime, the manifesto appears to say that a Liberal Democrat government would extend existing funding programmes to further the move to zero-emission.
While rural bus services are captured by the manifesto commitment to simplify funding, the party adds that where fixed timetable and route provision is not possible in those areas, it would encourage alternatives such as demand responsive transport.
Coaches are not mentioned in the manifesto. However, it notes that if elected, the Lib Dems would roll out many more charging points for battery-electric vehicles, including ultra-fast units at service stations, and increase grid capacity to support that policy.
The document also makes clear that the Lib Dems would look to restrict shorter-distance domestic flights. While that is largely focused on rail alternatives, it could potentially further boost the market for scheduled coach services.
Manifesto here.
