The Government is planning its spending – public transport is key

16 May 2025  |  Ben Curtis  |  Buses

At Campaign for Better Transport, we’ve submitted our recommendations to the Treasury, setting out six key priorities that will deliver cleaner, fairer, and more accessible transport for communities across the country. Here’s what we’re calling for – and why it matters.

1. Prioritise investment in local transport.

Too often, Government funding is directed toward expensive, large-scale road projects, while everyday local transport networks are underfunded and under pressure. We’re urging a shift in focus: prioritising investment in buses, safe walking and cycling infrastructure, and local road safety improvements.

These are the kinds of projects that have the biggest positive impact on people’s daily lives. They cut congestion, improve air quality, support the economy, and help reduce emissions – all while providing better, more reliable ways to get around.

2. Move to long-term funding settlements.

Local authorities currently face a cycle of short-term bidding wars for limited pots of funding – making it nearly impossible to plan and deliver long-term transport improvements. That needs to change.

We’re calling for multi-year, stable funding settlements for all local transport authorities, so they can plan strategically, maintain and grow services, and invest in the infrastructure their communities need.

3. Target needs-based bus investment in underserved areas, to ensure every community has a reasonable level of service.

Bus services are the most used form of public transport, yet in many parts of the country, they’ve been cut back drastically. Some communities now have no service at all.

We’re pushing for targeted revenue funding for buses based on need – especially in rural and disadvantaged areas – to ensure that every community has access to a decent level of service. Buses aren’t a luxury; they’re essential for connecting people to work, education, healthcare and social opportunities.

4. Freeze rail fares and support a root-and-branch review of the entire fares and ticketing system.

Rail should be the backbone of a sustainable transport system – but high fares and an outdated, confusing ticketing system are holding it back.

We’re calling for a freeze on rail fares to make train travel more affordable, alongside a comprehensive overhaul of the ticketing system. That means simpler pricing, flexible options for part-time and occasional travellers, and modern, digital ways to buy and use tickets.

5. Allocate sufficient resources to maintain and renew existing transport infrastructure.

Maintaining what we’ve already built should be a national priority. From potholes to outdated rail signalling and neglected bus stations, years of underinvestment have taken their toll.

We want to see funding committed to renewing and improving existing infrastructure – especially in essential but overlooked areas like local rail, bus priority measures, walking and cycling routes, and road repairs. Well-maintained networks are safer, more reliable, and better value in the long run.

6. Support public transport investment through fairer taxation of car and air travel

It’s time to end the unfair advantage enjoyed by car and air travel when it comes to tax. Fuel duty freezes, air passenger duty loopholes, and a lack of support for greener alternatives are all part of the problem.

We’re calling for a fairer system that realigns fiscal incentives to support public transport and active travel. This means using tax policy to encourage cleaner, more sustainable travel choices – and using that revenue to invest in the future of transport.

Take action! Ask the Chancellor to support public transport

We’ve submitted our asks to the Treasury, but now it’s your turn. Please help us convince the Chancellor to support public transport, by writing to her using our easy online form.

Thank you!