Councils need new powers to decide the way local bus services are delivered to end a ‘spiral of decline’ in services.
A report from the LGA and the Urban Transport Group warns that the task of patching and mending gaps in the network and protecting vital bus routes is more challenging than ever for local authorities.
They are calling for a review of current legislation that would allow all cities, towns and rural areas in England to have the same rights to introduce bus franchising as those enjoyed by mayoral combined authorities.
Those would include power over the fares that are charged and standards that should be met; and over the frequency of bus services provided and where and when they run.
The report, ‘A smoother ride’, recommends simplifying and improving the franchising process. It is published at the same time as Greater Manchester becomes the first city region outside London to run franchised bus services.
With every £1 invested in bus services estimated to bring an economic return of £4.50, taxpayers, the LGA and the Urban Transport Group are calling for greater long-term investment in local bus services.
Cllr Darren Rodwell, LGA Transport Spokesperson, said: “Councils should be in the driving seat to deliver good, affordable and reliable bus services in their areas, not private bus operators, but are restricted from taking greater control over them.
“By providing councils with new franchising powers they would be able to keep fares down, increase the number of local bus routes and make buses more attractive for everyone to use.”