Are Countryside Buses Making a Comeback?
Does more funding mean rural buses are back in business?
Sophie Parker, BBC
Council-funded rural buses, once described as a "lifeline" by some, are experiencing a resurgence after years of decline. New laws are empowering local authorities to intervene, and government data reveals a rising trend in council support for local buses across England, with the exception of London.
Government figures show that while financial support for local buses has dropped from almost a quarter in 2010 to 17% currently (excluding London), it has rebounded from a pre-pandemic low of 13% in 2019-20. However, fewer people are using the bus. Journeys per person in England stood at 88 in 2010 and declined to 63 by 2024-25.
Councils providing the most support to their bus networks are often located in rural areas. The charity Bus Users UK emphasizes the importance of supported bus services, describing them as "fundamental to social inclusion" and a "lifeline, not a choice" for many individuals.
Wiltshire, one of those rural areas, is implementing demand responsive transport (DRT) to address this issue. DRT allows passengers to book in advance, with routes adjusting based on their needs.
In 2021, the Department for Transport provided £20 million to 15 local authorities in England through the Rural Mobility Fund to trial DRT. Wiltshire Connect, launched in 2023, is one such initiative. With 13 minibuses operating across three zones, it has facilitated over 250,000 journeys as of recent reporting.
Wiltshire Council's Martin Smith views DRT as the future, citing its affordability and efficiency compared to subsidizing few-passenger rural bus routes.