NAO report highlights a “major roadblock” to improving buses
27 June 2025
Commenting on the National Audit Office’s report, ‘Local Bus Services in England’, Silviya Barrett of Campaign for Better Transport said:
“The Government has laudable ambitions to improve bus services, but lack of capacity in local authorities is a major roadblock, with half of local authorities painfully aware that their capacity to deliver local transport is poor. The Bus Centre of Excellence offers valuable help, alongside capability grants, but more support is needed, especially if franchising is to be a viable option for more local authorities.”
Silviya Barrett added:
“Government funding to improve buses must be directed where it is needed most. Step one is to identify gaps in bus provision – we are working with Government on how this can best be achieved, so that the funding announced in the Comprehensive Spending Review can have maximum impact.”
ENDS
For further information please contact the press office on 07984 773 468 (calls only no texts) or communications@bettertransport.org.uk.
Notes to Editors
Campaign for Better Transport highlighted the issue of local authorities’ capacity and capability when the National Bus Strategy was first published in 2021.
Campaign for Better Transport operates in England and Wales. Campaign for Better Transport’s vision is for all communities to have access to high quality, sustainable transport that meets their needs, improves quality of life and protects the environment. Campaign for Better Transport Charitable Trust is a registered charity (1101929).
