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MPs Back Bus Reform Bill in Commons Vote
Last week, The Bus Services (No. 2) Bill was cleared in the House of Commons by 362 votes to 87, paving the way for what ministers call the most significant shake-up of bus services in decades.
The Bill strengthens the ability of local authorities to safeguard “socially necessary” bus routes, ensuring services vital to communities are not cut simply because they are unprofitable. Councils and combined authorities will also gain a clearer framework to franchise services, set standards, and design networks that can be integrated with wider transport, planning, health and education provision.
From 2030, all new buses in England and Scotland must be zero-emission. Ministers have promised guidance and funding schemes to support authorities in making the transition. This includes grants to replace polluting vehicles and plans for a phased rollout to meet net-zero targets.
The Government will issue statutory guidance covering accessible bus stops, disability awareness training for staff, and safe stopping places. National audits of “floating bus stops” will be carried out, alongside updated design standards to improve safety for blind and partially sighted passengers.
Several proposed additions to the Bill were defeated. MPs rejected a national £2 fare cap, with the Government continuing its £3 cap through policy rather than law. Proposals for free or discounted travel schemes for carers, students and under-22s were also voted down. Similarly, amendments to introduce statutory minimum service levels across every community, and to ban new floating bus stops outright, did not secure support.
What It Means in Practice
Councils will now have more control to intervene where services are under threat, but franchising will still require detailed consultation and local capacity to deliver. Authorities are expected to begin preparing for the zero-emission transition, while also meeting new duties on accessibility reporting and consultation.
The legislation will return to the Lords on 13 October 2025 for final consideration before becoming law.
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Rural Access in the Spotlight The following day in Commons questions, ministers were pressed on how the reforms will address rural concerns. MPs highlighted the loss of evening and weekend services that leaves villages cut off, frustration over well-used routes being withdrawn without consultation, and the long, unreliable bus journeys that make it harder for rural residents to reach hospitals and other essential services. The decline in services was also linked to wider economic impacts, with businesses and night-time economies suffering when public transport options are reduced. In response, ministers stressed that the Bill’s core aim is to put power over buses back in local hands. They pointed to £1 billion in government funding, the extension of the £3 fare cap to March 2027, and new duties on accessibility and safety as evidence that the reforms will help councils design networks around the needs of their communities. |
Read the full debate transcript here
