Bus Services (No. 2) Bill [Lords] 2025-09-10

Moves for the clause to be read a Second time, proposing new clauses that include zero-emission vehicle requirements for local services in Scotland, £2 bus fare scheme, extending eligibility for disabled bus passes, reviewing impact of bus fares on passenger patronage, promoting bus services, reporting on accessibility of bus services, public sector equality duty, young person’s discount scheme, and review of VAT changes on demand-responsive bus services.

Announces the debate will also cover new clauses 1 through 8 including £2 bus fare scheme, extend eligibility for disabled bus passes, reviewing impact of bus fares on passenger patronage, promoting bus services, reporting on accessibility of bus services, public sector equality duty, young person’s discount scheme, and review of VAT changes on demand-responsive bus services.

The new clauses propose significant improvements to bus services and funding, including free travel for carers, expanded review of the Bus Centre of Excellence's capacity, assessments of funding cuts' impacts since 2015, guidance on franchising schemes, coordination powers for local authorities, reviews on time restrictions for concessionary passes, rail links enhancement proposals, discount fares for post-16 education students, safety and accessibility assessment for floating bus stops, fare cap extension to school-only services, review of minimum service standards, and equality impact assessments. These measures aim to enhance public transport provision, affordability, and inclusivity.

The MP supports the new clauses, highlighting their importance for enhancing safety and accessibility of floating bus stops. They emphasise the need for an independent review to address concerns raised by disabled people groups.

This speaker opposes some of the new clauses, particularly those that require additional reporting and consultation requirements. They argue these may add unnecessary administrative burdens on local transport authorities without significant benefits.

Supports the new clause requiring a National Bus Forum, arguing it will facilitate better collaboration between stakeholders and improve strategic planning for bus services at an industry-wide level.

The debate focuses on new clauses that propose various amendments to the Transport Act 2000 and other acts related to public transport services in England, particularly concerning bus passes and services for passengers travelling between destinations in England via Scotland. The proposed changes include ensuring service operators provide drivers with access to CIRAS (Confidential Incident Reporting and Analysis System), requiring local authorities to publish data on bus safety performance, reducing driving hours for PSV drivers, and establishing free travel schemes for young people under 22.

This speaker supports the new clauses proposed that would make transport more accessible and safer. They cite statistics indicating a need to improve bus safety performance data transparency and ensure adequate rest periods for PSV drivers to prevent fatigue-related incidents.

This speaker highlights the importance of ensuring seamless travel for passengers between England and Scotland, advocating for the recognition and acceptance of English tickets and passes in Scottish routes. They emphasise that this will enhance passenger experience and encourage more people to use public transport.

The speaker opposes some clauses due to concerns over increased regulatory burdens on local authorities and service providers without sufficient funding or guidance from central government. They express worry about the feasibility of implementing new requirements like mandatory safety data reporting within short timeframes.

Lightwood outlines that the Government seeks better bus services by focusing on patronage growth, community service shaping powers for leaders, and driving opportunities across the country. He mentions that wider reforms include a £3 cap on bus fares until March 2027 and an update to statutory franchising guidance.

The Minister committed to providing an update on how the Department is working with local authorities, Active Travel England and bus operators to raise awareness of cyclists’ behaviours around floating bus stops. They mentioned ongoing work by Transport for London in raising awareness of highway code rules designed to protect vulnerable road users at bus stops. The Department will publish statutory guidance on designing floating bus stops within three months of Royal Assent, supported by additional research and funding for local authorities. Amendments were discussed including new clause 38 which mirrors the provision in clause 37 but focuses specifically on Scotland.

The shadow Minister expressed surprise at being called early to speak. He noted that the Bill primarily focused on process rather than passengers, suggesting it is steeped in Labour’s political ideology about state control over private businesses. He highlighted concerns regarding clauses focusing purely on profitability which could lead to cuts in services for rural communities. Mayhew suggested reinstating clause 1 as new clause 34 which would ensure the improvement of bus service performance, accessibility and quality are at the forefront. Concerns were raised over protections for disabled users and proposed an amendment (new clause 28) to ban creation of new floating bus stops due to safety concerns.

Responded to Mayhew's comments on profitability, highlighting challenges in Essex where routes considered unprofitable were cut. He suggested that the Bill should not solely focus on profitability but consider social journeys and negotiate extra payments for them.

Expressed support for increased accessibility for disabled bus users, proposing an amendment to require local authorities seeking a franchise to take special educational needs into account and consult relevant groups.

The hon. Member questions why the shadow Minister does not support an integrated system that would allow for a price cap similar to London's, suggesting this is a principle he should be in favour of.

The hon. Member argues that political choices are made both locally and nationally, citing the Conservative control of Lancashire County Council since 2017 where they increased the bus budget by 50%.

The hon. Member agrees with his colleague's point about financial risk, stating that there is nothing in the Bill that local authorities such as Isle of Wight council would want to touch when it comes to franchising.

The hon. Member points out a contradiction, stating that while the Conservative position is to support combined authorities taking on franchising, the Tees Valley Mayor has rejected such powers.

Asked whether increasing the fare cap from £2 to £3 would reduce ridership.

Inquired if the Bill must expand the definition of socially necessary local services to include schools and colleges, citing an inaccessible college in her constituency. Ruth Cadbury agreed that it should be for local authorities to define socially necessary services based on local needs.

Noted the issue of companies cutting essential bus frequencies, making them unusable and reducing social value. Ruth Cadbury agreed with his point.

Commended the Minister for constructive engagement but criticised the deregulation of the bus network in the 1980s, leading to a decline in bus journeys and service cuts. He highlighted that the Bill could return control over local bus networks to communities if properly funded, enabling cross-subsidisation and improving reliability, integration, and affordability. Kohler advocated for amendments to ensure passenger-first focus and praised accepted amendments from the Lords.

Ms Collins supports the reduction of bus fare caps to £2, highlighting issues in her constituency where significant cuts to bus routes over the past decade have made travel expensive for constituents. She argues that a simpler pricing structure and proper investment are needed.

Mr Darling supports the reinstatement of the £2 fare cap, emphasising its importance in deprived areas like Torbay where bus travel is essential for public transport. He argues that it would help oil the wheels of communities and support those who rely on buses.

Mr Morris discusses the significant decline in bus journeys in the north-east since 2010, emphasising missed shifts, social isolation, and reduced access to opportunities. He supports a national bus forum as proposed by new clause 27 for better coordination and information sharing among stakeholders. Additionally, he proposes new clauses requiring local transport authorities introducing franchising to establish forums with unions and operators for meaningful engagement.

Supports new clauses 26 and 35 for enhanced partnerships, advocating trade union participation. Supports new clause 45 to establish a legal duty on councils for night-time bus services. Argues that the package of new clauses aims at an accountable, safe, and responsive bus system.

Supports new clause 47 to extend English National Concessionary Travel Scheme for companion passes. Highlights the importance of designated companions for disabled individuals using buses free of charge.

Speaks against floating bus stops, advocating for data collection on injuries and collisions at these stops. Proposes new clause 23 requiring an equality impact assessment focused on the concerns of blind and partially sighted people.

Supports Marsha De Cordova's stance against floating bus stops, particularly highlighting their dangers for pedestrians outside St Thomas’ hospital.

The MP welcomes the Government's commitment to improving guidance for local services around the country in order to promote active travel and ensure that disabled people can travel independently, safely and comfortably. He emphasises that this must be mandatory rather than optional. The MP also supports a partial pause on some types of floating bus stops due to safety concerns.

The MP highlights the severe lack of bus services in North Shropshire, having lost 66% of its bus miles since 2015. She proposes new clauses to mandate a seven-day-a-week service and for constituents to access essential services. She argues that while local authorities have power to franchise bus services, they need adequate funding to implement improvements.

The MP supports the Bill's measures to empower local authorities to run their own bus companies but points out specific issues in Bournemouth, such as the campaign for a better airport route and reinstating services in disconnected areas.

The MP argues that privatisation of bus services has failed rural communities, leading to increased traffic pollution and social isolation. He proposes new clause 22 for a review into guaranteed minimum service standards across England.

A comprehensive bus network with guaranteed minimum service standards would transform public transport, especially in rural areas. The Labour Government was elected to deliver such a change. Redirecting road-building funding to bus services could fully fund guaranteed minimum service standards.

Supports new clause 34, arguing for improved performance and quality of bus services. Also supports new clauses 29 and amendment 23, calling for a review of village bus provision, assessing the ending of £2 cap on bus fares, and ensuring local authorities act to improve transport integration.

Supports new clause 38, which consolidates provisions in Scotland. Emphasises the importance of supporting British bus manufacturing, citing examples from Falkirk and Alexander Dennis Ltd. Advocates for a balanced approach to transitioning to zero emission buses by 2030.

Calls for the removal of time restrictions imposed on disabled bus passes under the English national concessionary travel scheme. Argues that disabilities do not disappear at peak times, highlighting examples from constituents who face difficulties due to these restrictions. Cites support from disability charities such as Transport for All and the RNIB. Emphasises economic benefits, noting a cost of 1% of annual spend on concessionary travel could bring over £3 in economic benefit.

Supports Tom Gordon's amendment and highlights the inconsistency across different local authorities regarding time restrictions for disabled bus passes. Mentions that East Sussex County Council has removed such restrictions.

Discusses the loss of over two thirds of bus routes in Shrewsbury and supports new clause 45, which seeks to bring forward requirements on transport authorities for off-peak and nighttime bus services. Emphasises the importance of these changes for employment access and social necessity.

Speaks in support of new clause 2, highlighting rural difficulties with infrequent buses and no Sunday services. Argues that restricting disabled people to using their passes after 9.30 am severely limits their mobility.

Supports the Bill and new clauses 46 and 66, highlighting the importance of extending franchising powers to all local authorities for shaping bus networks. Urges the Government to ensure that isolated communities across boundary routes are not left behind.

Proposes new clause 2 to extend eligibility of disabled bus passes beyond current restrictions, arguing for fairer access without time limitations. Emphasises the disproportionate impact on rural areas where transport options are limited.

Supports new clause 21 to extend national £3 bus fare cap to school routes, addressing unfairness and additional financial pressures faced by families. Urges the Government to consider practical measures like extending the bus fare cap to ease daily struggles for working parents.

Highlights a personal example from his constituency where inadequate network design forces someone to drive instead of taking the bus, emphasising that this Bill could provide tools to address such failures in network design if used properly.

Supports new clause 2, which focuses on accessibility improvements for disabled, elderly and young constituents. He cites the impact of unreliable services in his constituency, leading to missed appointments, long waiting times and other distressing situations. The MP highlights significant cuts in bus services under the Conservative government and advocates for improved local control over bus networks.

Supports measures to improve accessibility of bus networks through new plans. Acknowledges concerns about strikes in London impacting disabled communities more severely than elsewhere. Emphasises the importance of the Bill in ending transport inequality and providing better services for all communities.

Supports new clauses 32 and 33, which aim to promote increased bus usage. He notes that while there is much to like in the Bill, it needs additional support for local authorities to effectively address rural transport issues.

Supports new clause 22 for a review of minimum bus service standards. Rural areas like Suffolk have seen a decline in services since 2010, with 18% vanishing from 2018 to 2024. Residents are struggling to find late buses, impacting daily activities and healthcare access.

Supports amendments that ensure vulnerable people have access to bus services. New clause 2 would remove the start time from disabled bus passes, allowing usage at any hour. Capped costs for young people should be extended beyond school hours to support their work or education.

Amendment 66 requires local transport authorities to set a clear formula for calculating social necessity of services. This provides transparency in decision-making and prioritisation, allowing communities to understand funding allocation criteria.

Supports new clause 37 and amendment 2 to ensure regular bus services to hospitals, GP surgeries, schools, and colleges are protected. Emphasises the impact of withdrawn bus routes on constituents' ability to access essential services like healthcare and education. Criticises cuts to discretionary top-up enhancements for the English national concessionary travel scheme, which disproportionately affects disabled residents. Proposes removing time restrictions on disabled concessionary passes and extending free travel to carers.

Welcomes the Bill but argues it does not go far enough in ambition or delivery. Supports new clause 12 for suitable support in rural areas during franchising. Highlights funding disparities between urban and rural areas, advocating for models like a hub-and-spoke network to serve rural communities effectively. Proposes providing knowledge through defined transport model options to prevent postcode lottery outcomes.

Supports new clauses 1 and 2, and amendment 9. Argues that councils need proper support from the Government due to reduced central funding, despite being expected to fund more bus services. Highlights the Lib Dem-run council's efforts in improving local bus services and predicts recovery to pre-pandemic rates. Criticises Labour’s new council funding formula for taking away significant funds from Wokingham.

Supports new clause 2, which proposes removing time restrictions on disabled people’s concessionary passes. Also supports new clause 1 by the Liberal Democrats to restore the £2 fare cap.

Supports the overarching aim of the Bill but raises concerns about its impact on small operators and community transport providers. Worries that franchising frameworks and new training requirements will squeeze out community operators, particularly in rural areas where mainstream services have withdrawn. Seeks explicit protection for community operators within the Bill.

Supports amendments 2, 5 and 6 to require local transport authorities to identify socially necessary routes and ensure service provision where commercial services are unable to meet demand. Also supports new clauses 6 and 17 for discounts on bus travel for under-25s and those in post-16 education. Supports removing time restrictions on concessionary passes.

Supports measures that seek to remove time restrictions on concessionary bus passes and supports new clauses 41, 42, and 43 for improving safety through driver support. Advocates for amendments 62 and 64 regarding clean air and toilet access in buses.

Emphasised the importance of accessible toilet facilities on bus routes and tube networks, citing the work done by Age UK and local London authorities to set targets for better access. Proposed that similar standards be implemented on bus routes.

Commended speeches focusing on disability access, concessionary travel during rush hour, companion passes, and rural needs in constituencies. Criticised the Liberal Democrat county council's failure to improve bus services. Acknowledged changes in his party’s stance on antisocial behaviour and conceded that adding 'sustained antisocial auditory disturbance' to definitions of nuisance is acceptable.

Asked Jerome Mayhew about the Conservative position on extending concessionary bus passes, suggesting economic benefits for disabled people getting to work. Highlighted concerns over potential bankruptcy risks for local transport authorities under current drafting of the Bill.

Questioned Jerome Mayhew about the peculiar risk of bankruptcy in franchise systems compared to normal contracts, highlighting that commercial risk lies with taxpayers rather than providers. Raised concerns over local transport authorities being exposed to potential financial risks.

Noted the contribution of good ideas by opposition parties and criticised the lack of transport policy proposals from Reform party.

The Minister emphasises the multi-year allocation to local authorities for bus services, enabling better planning and negotiation. He notes that 66% of travel concession authorities offer companion passes for disabled people's companions. The Minister discusses ongoing work with the industry on free travel for police officers. He explains that amendment 58 is unnecessary as it seeks to remove a purely administrative step in franchising and aims to streamline the process. On fare caps, he states that the previous government left no funding beyond 2024 but the current government introduced a £3 cap to avoid affordability issues. The Minister also mentions an evaluation of the £3 bus fare cap will be published soon.

Questions whether giving companion passes for disabled people's companions should remain discretionary and suggests it should become statutory due to its importance.

Inquires why the Minister supports a national fare cap but not a mandate for disability passes, questioning how some decisions are made locally while others nationally.

Asks if the £3 fare cap is essential for people using buses from Burnley to Blackburn hospital, highlighting its importance for specific services.

Thanked for tabling new clauses regarding minimum service levels, highlighting the need to consider transport needs of everyone in an area.

Acknowledged for sponsoring a clause related to minimum service levels, emphasising the importance of local decision-making on bus services.

Reminded about Sunday services in Shrewsbury and hoped that days are numbered given Bill’s progress. Emphasised need for empowering local areas to decide transport needs.

Mr Holden criticised the Labour Government for scrapping the £2 fare cap, which was successful in making bus journeys more affordable. He argued that there is no indication of how the bill will improve passenger numbers or ensure rural coverage, stating it creates a fragmented service and leaves councils without funding to prioritise cities over villages. Mr Holden also pointed out the lack of support for reducing driver shortages and criticised the government's ideology over delivery.

The Liberal Democrat spokesperson supported the bill but expressed disappointment in its failure to reinstate the £2 fare cap, address concessionary travel time limits for disabled people, and tackle headphone dodgers. Mr Kohler emphasised that proper funding is essential for the bill's success.