£130m secured to keep bus services running across UK

The Department for Transport has announced a £130m package to keep bus services running, bringing total funding to £2bn for 160 bus operators since the pandemic.

Money will go towards protecting bus services and to keep travel affordable, as the cost of living crisis is limiting travel options for vulnerable households.

The news comes as a London bus drivers are staging a strike alongside Underground workers in calls for increased pay in line with inflation and job protection amid proposed cuts.

1,800 workers for Arriva North West have secured improved pay after strike action in July, while Arriva bus drivers in Kent and Essex have also just voted to strike after the company offered a 7.8% pay rise.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: ‘This funding will ensure millions across the country can continue to use vital bus services, and brings the total we’ve provided to the sector throughout the pandemic to almost £2 billion.

‘At a time when people are worried about rising costs, it’s more important than ever we save these bus routes for the millions who rely on them for work, school and shopping.’

The government says it is investing £3bn in bus services by 2025, including £1bn to improve fares, services and infrastructure and a further £535m for zero emission buses.

Graham Vidler, Chief Executive of the Confederation of Passenger Transport, said: ‘We welcome the government’s announcement of recovery funding to support bus services in local communities for a further 6 months.

‘Today’s announcement will help bus operators and local authority partners to balance a network of reliable and affordable services in the short-term as bus networks adapt to new travel patterns.

‘For the longer-term, we will continue to work closely with central government and local authorities to encourage existing and new passengers to get on board the country’s buses, ensuring they are provided the best possible services.’

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