Council-funded rural bus services in England are experiencing a resurgence after years of decline, driven by new legislation and innovative approaches like demand-responsive transport (DRT). Government data indicates a rise in bus miles financially supported by local authorities, though overall provision remains below 2010 levels.
In the fiscal year 2024-25, council support accounted for 17% of bus miles traveled across England, excluding London. This figure, while down from nearly a quarter in 2010, represents an increase from a pre-pandemic low of 13% in 2019-20. However, passenger numbers have continued to fall, with per-person journeys decreasing from 88 in 2010 to 63 in 2024-25. Ridership dropped significantly during the pandemic and has not yet recovered to pre-COVID levels.
Areas with the highest council support for bus networks are often rural. Bus Users UK, a charity, described these supported services as crucial for social inclusion and a "lifeline" for many who might otherwise become isolated and unable to participate in community life.
Wiltshire is among the rural areas implementing DRT services to address transport gaps. The Wiltshire Connect service, launched in 2023, utilizes 13 minibuses operating across three zones. Since its inception, the service has recorded 250,000 journeys. Councillor Martin Smith, Wiltshire Council's cabinet member for transport, highlighted DRT as a more affordable solution compared to subsidizing underused traditional rural routes. The service allows passengers to book rides via an app or phone, with routes adapting to passenger needs. The cost is comparable to standard bus fares, and pickups are available from various nearby points within designated zones.
This initiative aims to encourage younger generations to use public transport, with the hope that this habit will continue into adulthood. Passengers have expressed enthusiasm for the service, with one resident, Cat Jones, calling it a "lifesaver" for her family who moved from London. Driver James noted that passengers "love it" and that the service helps many who feel "trapped" in smaller villages.
Bus Users UK acknowledged the increase in bus mileage as "encouraging" but stressed that mileage alone is insufficient. They emphasized the need for services that enable essential journeys and called for sustained, long-term funding to restore public confidence in bus travel, noting that previous route abandonments were due to local council budget cuts.
The Campaign for Better Transport cited the 2021 national bus strategy for increasing awareness of bus value and empowering authorities to fill service gaps with dedicated funding. However, they noted that overall bus provision remains lower than in 2010, with many areas still lacking adequate services. The Local Government Association echoed this sentiment, advocating for sustained funding to boost ridership.
The government has introduced further funding and the Bus Services Act, granting local authorities more control over their bus networks. The decline in bus mileage is not limited to supported services; commercial bus miles have also decreased by approximately 22% since 2010, though they are now recovering. Some of this shift may be attributed to commercial companies ceasing non-viable routes, leading to local authorities funding them instead.
According to the Confederation of Passenger Transport, worsening road congestion is a significant factor, slowing buses and making them less appealing and more costly to operate. They noted that buses outside London average just 11.7 mph. The organization also pointed out that rural areas, with lower populations and longer distances, require more council support to cover operational costs.
