ALL THINGS LICENSING
The Bus Services Bill launches a new era for public transport in the UK
Finally, potential improvements for thousands of bus passengers across England are likely through better, more reliable bus services, as the Bus Services Bill has officially become law, marking a new era for public transport.
Buses remain the most-used form of public transport in England, yet the sector has seen a 300-million-mile decline since 2010. The new legislation aims to reverse this trend by protecting vital routes, empowering local authorities, and improving passenger experience.
The new law introduces several major changes:
l Stricter rules for cancelling socially necessary routes, protecting vulnerable passengers in rural areas, and those who are elderly or disabled
l Local councils can now set up their own bus companies, putting passengers before profit
l Mandatory training for bus staff to handle anti- social behaviour, including incidents involving violence against women and girls
l Streamlined franchising rules, allowing councils to control routes and fares more easily
Heidi Alexander, Secretary of State for Transport, said:
“For too long catching the bus has felt like an ordeal, with unreliable services and cuts to key routes meaning many communities, particularly those in rural areas, have been left isolated.
“The passing of our vital Bus Services Act will finally change this. By making it easier for local leaders to take control of their buses we are putting passengers first, improving access to jobs, education and tourism opportunities which are all vital to growing the economy – a fundamental part of our Plan for Change.”
The government will provide additional funding to local authorities to support these changes, with details to be confirmed in the coming weeks.
Pilot programmes are already underway in York and North Yorkshire, Cornwall, Cumbria, Hertfordshire, and Cheshire West and Chester, exploring how bus
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So, why am I telling you about buses? Well, of course the services of licensed vehicles form a vital part of the nation’s transport network, however unlike other forms of public transport (buses, trains etc) the taxi and private hire trade receives no public subsidies and is entirely private enterprise. As explained, bus service provision has been in decline resulting in vulnerable users turning to taxi and private hire services for essential journeys. It therefore stands to reason that if bus services are improved in some areas then the licensed trade will need to ensure it adapts to keep this customer base.
Conclusion
With the taxi and private hire trade and local licensing functions poised for change, this is a critical time to ensure that everyone involved in the trade is informed. Therefore, if you are stuck for that last minute Christmas gift, or have a bit spare from Christmas tips which you would only otherwise spend on a new toaster in the January sales, I really would encourage all members of the trade to join the Institute of Licensing so as to ensure you keep up to date as it is clear the excitement in our industry will extend well beyond the Christmas and New Year period.
For full details visit:
www.instituteoflicensing.org
Finally, whether you are ‘Driving home for Christmas with taxi roof lights all around’, ‘Ranking around the Christmas tree’ or just ‘Jingling all the way (to the Council Offices to renew your badge’, it only leaves me to say stay safe and to wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
DECEMBER 2025 PHTM
franchising can transform services in rural and underserved areas.
This legislation is reported to be a cornerstone of the government’s commitment to accessible, account- able, and community-focused transport, ensuring that bus services work for everyone.
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