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Bus Services (No. 2) Bill [Lords] 2025-09-10
10 September 2025
Lead MP
Simon Lightwood
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
ImmigrationCrime & Law EnforcementEconomyTaxationTransport
Other Contributors: 72
At a Glance
Simon Lightwood raised concerns about bus services (no. 2) bill [lords] 2025-09-10 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
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.
Simon Lightwood
Con
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.
Madam Deputy Speaker
Ms Nusrat Ghani
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.
Name
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.
Name
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.
Name
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.
Name
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.
Simon Lightwood
Con
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.
Minister
Con
not specified
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.
Jerome Mayhew
Con
Broadland and Fakenham
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.
Chris Vince
Lab/Co-op
Harlow
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.
Roz Savage
LD
South Cotswolds
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.
Jacob Collier
Lab
Burton and Uttoxeter
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.
Andrew Snowden
Con
Fylde
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%.
Joe Robertson
Con
Isle of Wight East
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.
Luke Myer
Lab
Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland
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.
Ashley Fox
Con
Bridgwater
Asked whether increasing the fare cap from £2 to £3 would reduce ridership.
Epsom and Ewell
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.
Newton Abbot
Noted the issue of companies cutting essential bus frequencies, making them unusable and reducing social value. Ruth Cadbury agreed with his point.
Paul Kohler
LD
Wimbledon
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.
Harpenden and Berkhamsted
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.
Torbay
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.
Grahame Morris
Lab
Easington
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.
MP
Name not provided
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.
Julian Lewis
Con
New Forest East
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.
Battersea
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.
Florence Eshalomi
Lab/Co-op
Vauxhall and Camberwell Green
Supports Marsha De Cordova's stance against floating bus stops, particularly highlighting their dangers for pedestrians outside St Thomas’ hospital.
Steve Double
Con
Plymouth, Moorview
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.
Helen Morgan
LD
North Shropshire
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.
Tom Hayes
Lab
Bournemouth East
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.
Chris Hinchliff
Ind
North East Hertfordshire
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.
Jeremy Corbyn
Lab
Islington North
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.
Ashley Fox
Con
Beaconsfield
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.
Euan Stainbank
Lab
Falkirk
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.
Tom Gordon
LD
Harrogate and Knaresborough
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.
Lewes
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.
Julia Buckley
Lab
Shrewsbury
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.
Ely and East Cambridgeshire
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.
Calder Valley
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.
Anna Sabine
LD
Frome and East Somerset
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.
Poole
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.
James MacCleary
Con
unknown constituency
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.
William Tidball
Lab
Penistone and Stocksbridge
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.
Alison Griffiths
Con
Bognor Regis and Littlehampton
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.
John Milne
LD
Horsham
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.
Peter Prinsley
Lab
Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket
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.
Vikki Slade
LD
Mid Dorset and North Poole
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.
Alex Mayer
Lab
Dunstable and Leighton Buzzard
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.
Liz Jarvis
LD
Eastleigh
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.
North Norfolk
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.
Clive Jones
LD
Wokingham
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.
Tom Gordon
Con
Harrogate and Knaresborough
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.
Witney
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.
South Devon
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.
Siân Berry
Green
Brighton Pavilion
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.
My Green Colleague
Green
London Assembly
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.
Jerome Mayhew
Con
Broadland and Fakenham
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.
Tom Gordon
SNP
Edinburgh South
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.
Scott Arthur
Lab
Edinburgh South West
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.
Siân Berry
Green
Brighton Pavilion
Noted the contribution of good ideas by opposition parties and criticised the lack of transport policy proposals from Reform party.
Simon Lightwood
Con
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.
Julian Lewis
Con
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.
Oliver Ryan
Lab/Co-op
Burnley
Asks if the £3 fare cap is essential for people using buses from Burnley to Blackburn hospital, highlighting its importance for specific services.
Chris Hinchliff
Con
North East Hertfordshire
Thanked for tabling new clauses regarding minimum service levels, highlighting the need to consider transport needs of everyone in an area.
Blundell
Con
Heywood and Middleton North
Acknowledged for sponsoring a clause related to minimum service levels, emphasising the importance of local decision-making on bus services.
Julia Buckley
Con
Shrewsbury
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.
Holden
Con
Basildon and Billericay
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.
Kohler
Lib Dem
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.
Government Response
The Government supports several of these new clauses, particularly those aimed at enhancing safety measures and promoting greater stakeholder engagement. They emphasise the need to balance regulatory requirements with operational flexibility. The Government amendments included new clause 38 focusing on Scotland’s future demand certainty, technical clarifications on the franchising variation procedure, and removal of data protection overrides due to recent legislation. Emphasised the Government's belief that local leaders are best placed to make decisions for their communities. Noted that a large number of amendments would increase burdens on local transport authorities and take away funding decision-making power from them. Defended the Bee Network in Greater Manchester, stating it was delivered on time and on budget despite complexities from previous legislation. Acknowledged support for new clause 2 but raised concerns about financial sustainability due to current ENCTS costs of around £700 million annually. The Minister explains that local authorities have the power and funding to make decisions regarding companion passes. He states that a national fare cap is necessary due to affordability concerns but argues that other issues should be handled locally. The minister also discusses antisocial behaviour on buses, highlighting clause 28 of the Bill which allows for tackling such behaviours through byelaws. Government believes reliable, affordable and accessible transport is a right for everyone. After 14 years of failed deregulation, they are taking lifeline bus services off life support through the biggest change to buses in a generation. The Bill will improve services, protect socially necessary routes, roll out greener buses faster, raise accessibility and safety standards, integrate local transport and transfer control from private interests and central Government to local leaders who best understand their areas.
Shadow Response
None
Shadow Response
The Opposition shadow minister supports most of the proposals but questions whether they go far enough in addressing issues such as rural service provision and accessibility. They call for more robust funding commitments from the Government. Called for the reinstatement of a purpose clause (new clause 34) which would ensure bus service improvements prioritise performance, accessibility, and quality. Raised concerns over protections for disabled users at floating bus stops and proposed banning new ones. Also emphasised the need to consider pricing in increasing bus usage. The Conservative shadow Secretary of State criticised Labour’s scrapping of the £2 fare cap and argued that without proper funding, councils will struggle to provide comprehensive services. He highlighted issues with rural connectivity, driver shortages, and road infrastructure investment.
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