New proposals to improve bus travel

Bus travel in England will be safer, more efficient and easier to use under new Government proposals.

The plans – published today in a consultation paper – outline a range of measures to improve services including a ban the consumption of alcohol on buses and a requirement for operators to provide more advanced warning of changes to services.

Also included in the consultation are proposals to allow local authorities to set maximum ticket prices for all, or certain categories, of passengers at a level less than the existing commercial fares.

The proposals are part of the Government’s strategy to increase bus travel in order to tackle congestion and reduce carbon emissions from transport.

Transport Minister Sadiq Khan said: “Two thirds of all public transport journeys are by bus and passengers deserve a better travelling experience. They shouldn’t have to suffer from drunks or sudden changes to services.

“I have recently completed a nationwide bus tour where I saw first hand both excellence in practice and areas where services need to improve.

“The proposals we are publishing today are a significant step towards making that improvement and ensuring this vital part of our transport system continues to thrive.”

Other measures in the consultation include:
- A requirement that new services must operate without variation for a minimum of 90 days in order to provide a greater degree of stability for passengers;
- Reduction of administrative costs for local authorities when tendering for new services;
- Increased notification period of new services to enable local authorities to provide up to date travel information to passengers;
- Financial penalties for operators who fail to enforce dedicated wheelchair spaces on buses.

The Government is also asking for views on how the conduct of drivers and passengers might be improved more generally and how inconsiderate or anti-social behaviour might be tackled.