Sky News has reported that the number of bus journeys taken in England has fallen by 10 percent in the last decade, with funding for bus services down by nearly 40 percent, according to the National Audit Office

Between 2010-11 and 2018-19 the number of bus journeys fell in 65 of 88 English local transport authorities outside London.

During the same time period, local authority financial support for bus services fell 38%.

The East Anglian Times also reported on the results of the report, and questions whether rural bus services can survive COVID-19 with only a quarter of seats filled.

The article explains that bus services nationwide were losing passengers even before the pandemic, with rural services being particularly hit.

The pandemic led to a drastic reduction in bus travel across the country and created uncertainties about future travel habits.

However, bus travel will likely remain the primary and essential mode of transport for many, especially the most disadvantaged.

Full articles:

Sky News - Bus services make fewer journeys and lose funding over past decade - report

The East Anglian - Can rural bus services survive Covid with only a quarter of seats filled?