Measures to empower local leaders to take control of bus services have been unveiled by the Government.
Transport Secretary Louise Haigh claimed her “bus revolution” will save vital routes nationwide.
Legislation giving all local transport authorities new powers to run their own bus services will be laid before Parliament on Monday in the form of a statutory instrument.
Only metro mayors can currently control services in this way.
The Government has also launched a consultation on new, simplified guidance speeding up processes and reducing costs for local leaders looking to bring services into public control.
This model – known as bus franchising – involves local authorities granting private companies the right to operate in a specific area but retaining control over key aspects of the service such as routes, timetables and fares.
The Department for Transport (DfT) plans to bring forward a Buses Bill later in this parliamentary session to deliver changes to further support franchising, alongside other measures on areas such as funding and accessible travel.
The annual total distance travelled by buses in England has fallen by nearly 300 million miles since 2010, according to the department.
Ms Haigh said: “Buses are the lifeblood of our communities, but for too many people it has become impossible to rely on local services, as routes have been slashed and timetables hollowed out.
“Today is the first stop on our journey to delivering better buses across the country.
“After decades of failed deregulation, local leaders will finally have the powers to provide services that deliver for passengers.
“And we are taking steps to support local leaders to deliver improved bus services faster and cheaper than ever before.
“With local communities firmly back in the driving seat, our bus revolution will save vital routes up and down the country and put passengers first.”
Jason Prince, director of the Urban Transport Group, which represents seven major city transport authorities, said: “We welcome the pace at which Government is moving on its ambitious transport agenda.
“Buses are the cornerstone of our public transport system, so it’s greatly encouraging to see this new package of measures which will deliver better bus services for more local areas.
“We look forward to working with Government to create a smoother journey for all bus passengers.”
Adam Hug, transport spokesperson for the Local Government Association which represents councils, said the proposals were “a step towards helping to restore public faith in local bus networks”.
“Buses remain critical to local government’s efforts to ensure that everyone can benefit from inclusive economic growth and job opportunities, and to prevent social isolation by making local services more accessible.
“They also continue to play a vital role in reducing carbon and other harmful emissions.
“These proposed measures recognise the fundamental role of local leadership in shaping future bus provision, which the LGA has long been calling for.
“Alongside anticipated reform to funding and bus subsidies, these proposals are a step towards helping to restore public faith in local bus networks and ensuring that bus services have a bright future.”
Silviya Barrett, director of policy and research at Campaign for Better Transport, said: “Allowing local authorities to choose how best to deliver bus services and giving them greater control of routes, fares and standards where needed, could help to sustain and protect bus services, creating a more reliable bus network for all.
“Whilst franchising may not be suitable for all areas, everyone should have access to a quality bus service without risk of it being cut, which is why we are also calling for a minimum service level guarantee and long-term, ringfenced funding for all local authorities.”
Helen Whately, the shadow transport secretary, said: “Labour’s plans are unfunded. They need to explain whether local authorities will raise council tax or make cuts to vital services like social care to fund this.
“Moreover, it won’t make a blind bit of difference for passengers. It won’t increase the number of services and they would much prefer to have the £2 fare cap extended at the Budget.”
