Government Support for Bus Services: West Dorset

Opened the debate

The hon. Member highlights the significant decline in bus services, noting a 52% fall in rural areas between 2008 and 2023, and a 62% reduction in service frequency in West Dorset. He cites over 1 billion fewer passenger journeys across England in 2023 compared to 2015, with 10 of Dorset's 14 towns already transport deserts or at risk. The hon. Member also points out the £1.2 billion annual cost of missed NHS appointments due to poor bus services and the impact on young people's opportunities and independence.

Government Response

It is a pleasure to serve with you in the Chair, Ms McVey. I congratulate the hon. Member for West Dorset on securing this important debate. Buses are at the heart of our vision for better and more integrated, reliable, affordable and accessible public transport. The Government have set out an ambitious plan to deliver better bus services, grow passenger numbers, and ensure underserved communities can benefit from reliable public transport. The Bus Services Act 2025 puts decision making into local leaders' hands so they can design services for their communities with greater control over routes and timetables. The Act also tightens requirements around the cancellation of vital bus routes, particularly those relied on by vulnerable passengers. Over £3 billion will be provided to improve bus networks over three years, including nearly £700 million per year for local transport authorities through the local authority bus grant. Dorset council will receive slightly over £12 million through the local authority bus grant for the next three years, a 5% increase from the previous allocation. The Government are committed to monitoring the effectiveness of these measures, including their impact on rural services with a review five years after introduction. Additionally, we have allocated multi-year settlements for the next three years and will continue looking at funding formulas to ensure they distribute funds fairly across the country. We also published guidance on best practices for local authorities setting up demand-responsive schemes and integrating them with traditional bus models. Making bus fares more affordable is a priority; single bus fares are capped at £3 in England until March 2027, helping millions of people access affordable travel. The Chancellor announced over £100 million additional funding to help children aged five to 15 travel free on participating local buses throughout August, benefiting families during the cost of living crisis. I draw Members' attention to "Better Connected", the Government's integrated national transport strategy, which looks at how to dovetail buses with trams, trains, micromobility and active travel.