The UK government has announced that a proposed trial of free bus passes for individuals under 22 in England will not be implemented due to current budget constraints. This decision follows recommendations made by the Transport Committee, a cross-party group of backbench MPs, which suggested that offering free bus passes could enhance access to jobs and educational opportunities.
In their response, the government stated that there are no available funds for such a program during the ongoing spending review period, which extends until 2028/2029. Committee chair Ruth Cadbury expressed disappointment over this decision, suggesting that the Department for Transport is lacking ambition in addressing connectivity issues that affect young people seeking employment and individuals facing challenges in traveling to schools or colleges. Cadbury also highlighted concerns about the isolation experienced by older and disabled individuals, as well as the potential negative impact on local economies.
The announcement comes on the same week that the Bus Services Act has officially come into effect, which aims to impose stricter requirements on bus operators and grant local authorities more control over services, including the option for franchising. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander indicated that the new law would empower local leaders and prioritize the needs of passengers.
While the Transport Committee welcomed the Bus Services Act, it reiterated the importance of further actions, noting that minimal service levels for buses and the free travel proposal for under-22s were not accepted by the government. Officials argued that demographic and geographical variations would complicate the implementation of minimum service levels while ensuring cost-effectiveness. Furthermore, there has been a noted decline in bus journeys in England, alongside fare increases that have outpaced inflation, creating barriers to access for communities. Research indicates that bus passengers contribute significantly to local businesses, although the overall economic impact of the bus sector has decreased in recent years.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ce9drlgenjno?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss