"It is essential that councils can use this new funding to protect services and reverse the reductions in local bus routes forced on local authorities from the £700 million annual funding gap councils face in providing the concessionary fares scheme."
Responding to the Government’s announcement of £5 billion over the next five years to improve bus and cycling services in England, Cllr David Renard, the Local Government Association’s transport spokesman, said:
“We are pleased the Government has pledged a much-needed boost in funding for bus and cycling services. We look forward to seeing further details.
“Councils want to work with the Government to improve bus provision, which can be a lifeline to older and vulnerable residents and play a key role in tackling congestion and reducing greenhouse gases.
“It is essential that councils can use this new funding to protect services and reverse the reductions in local bus routes forced on local authorities from the £700 million annual funding gap councils face in providing the concessionary fares scheme.
“We would now like to see the Government use the forthcoming Budget to give councils control over the Bus Service Operators’ Grant, a fuel duty rebate currently paid directly to bus operators, which would enable councils to protect bus routes, and give them the funding they need to provide an effective and efficient bus service.”