Bus Services Act 2025 becomes law, transforming England’s buses
The Bus Services Act 2025 has officially become law, ushering in significant changes to how bus services are governed and operated in England. The legislation empowers local authorities to choose the best delivery model for their area, giving greater control over routes and fares and removing the ban on local authorities launching their own bus companies.
image: DfT
The Act also tightens protections for “socially necessary” routes — especially serving rural and vulnerable communities — by requiring operators who wish to cut or alter services to submit new justifications.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said, “For too long catching the bus has felt like an ordeal, with unreliable services and cuts to key routes meaning many communities, particularly those in rural areas, have been left isolated… By making it easier for local leaders to take control of their buses we are putting passengers first…”
Jason Prince, Director of the Urban Transport Group, said, “The Bus Services Act represents a watershed moment for the future of the bus. We now have legislation that provides all local leaders with greater powers and the ability to choose the right tools to improve their local bus networks and passengers’ experiences – ensuring these services are accessible, safe and attractive. We warmly welcome the Act and its recognition of the critical role that local areas play on the road to better buses.”
Graham Vidler, Chief Executive of the Confederation of Passenger Transport, said, “This is an important day for the bus industry. It gives local authorities a choice in the model they choose for local bus services. Bus operators up and down the country will play their part to make it a success in order to deliver reliable, affordable buses for every community.
“It is important that local authorities consider their next steps carefully to fit the specific needs of local areas. There are many different ways to oversee local transport and multiple routes to success. There is no need to rush for franchising – this is a once in a generation decision and it is important to get it right.”
Rural-focused groups also welcomed the statute. Corinne Pluchino of Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE) said, “The lack of reliable, affordable public transport in rural areas is a widespread problem … We welcome the new measures to require the identification and listing of socially necessary local services … This is an important first step to achieving better rural bus services.”
CILT said that although the Act opens the door for a new era in bus governance, success is widely seen as contingent on adequate long-term funding, clarity on service definitions, and stable partnerships between local authorities and operators.
Paul Nowak, General Secretary, TUC said, “We’ve already seen the real difference that effective franchising can make in places like Manchester. It’s now vital that local leaders work in partnership with the bus workforce to make the most of the opportunities offered by the Bill.”