22
Dec 2024
What does new Bus Services Bill mean for North Yorkshire?
The government introduced legislation this week which it claims will improve buses and tailor services more for passengers.
The Bus Services Bill will lift the ban on local authorities establishing their own bus companies and give them control over routes, timetables, connections and fares.
Ministers say it will make it easier to provide routes that better serve people rather than companies and plough ahead with franchising, as already happens in places such as Greater Manchester and Liverpool City Region.
David Skaith, the Labour mayor of York and North Yorkshire, has spoken enthusiastically about franchising, most recently during a visit to York by former Transport Secretary Louise Haigh last month.
But he appeared more lukewarm about the prospect when the Stray Ferret asked him what difference the bill would make for his plans.
Mr Skaith said:
I welcome the government’s commitment to putting buses back at the heart of communities by giving local leaders the powers to shape services in their communities.
Great transport is critical for growth and buses are an essential part of connecting people, especially in a predominantly rural region such as ours. I’m exploring all options to make sure we find a solution that works for everyone in York and North Yorkshire.
A costly distraction?
Cllr Keane Duncan, the executive member for highways and transport at Conservative-controlled North Yorkshire Council, questioned whether the funds for franchising were available and the length of time it would take for passengers to notice improvements.
He said:
While franchising may prove to be a beneficial model, the resources required to deliver it would be immense. Franchising elsewhere has cost in excess of £100 million in start-up costs alone and taken six years to achieve. Passengers can’t wait until 2030 for improvements. Our buses need help and support now. A crisis is brewing, particularly on our rural routes, with the future of vital government funding uncertain and the £2 fare cap due to be scrapped in a matter of days.
While Labour mayors have stepped in to keep fares at £2 elsewhere, passengers here will sadly not be protected in the same way. They will pay 50% more when fares are hiked on January 1. Later in 2025, the cap will end altogether. I fear that this will deter passengers and place services at risk once again.
Franchising will not help address issues facing our network right now. In fact, it could prove to be a costly and disruptive distraction. I would urge our mayor to lay out his plans to support bus services in the immediate term as soon as possible.
Pressure is likely to increase on Mr Skaith to outline a clearer way forward in 2025. Will he pursue full ownership of buses or work alongside private operators to improve services?
The bill also ensures that ‘lifeline’ bus services cannot be removed or changed without councils reviewing their ability to serve communities, especially those in rural or deprived areas.
The bill also aims to improve safety both passengers and staff by mandating that drivers undertake training to identify threats of violence against women and girls and anti-social behaviour.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said the bill “marks the next step on our journey to overhaul how bus services operate”.
But the route ahead in North Yorkshire remains unclear.
1