CPT reacts to today’s announcement by the Government on franchising

“We are pleased to see the Government recognise the vital role that buses must play in delivering its missions to grow the economy, break down barriers to opportunity and bring down carbon emissions. As well as providing an £11bn boost to the British economy through direct employment in the sector and it's supply chain, Bus passengers spend a total of almost £40bn every year in local economies, bus commuters earn £72bn a year and pay taxes of £15bn, and buses enable access to jobs, education and training worth £8.7bn, health benefits worth £2.8bn, among other benefits. Crucially, every £1 invested in improving infrastructure for buses and improving services can generate returns of £4.55 for the economy.

Whatever the form of regulation, operators share the Government's enthusiasm for growing passenger numbers and making bus services even better. A concentrated effort to get buses out of traffic and increase bus speeds is the easiest way to do this, making sure that passengers can benefit from reduced congestion, faster journey times, low fares and reliable buses – factors we know are vital for passengers and the popularity of bus travel.”