Local transport across England to receive £150m post-pandemic cash injection

Bus and light rail operators across England will receive over £150 million in government support as the country emerges from Covid measures. 

Around £2 billion made available to over 160 operators during the pandemic. The government says this represents the final tranche of pandemic-related support to operators and will run for six months until October 2022.

It says this funding will support operators and authorities as they adapt to changing travel patterns, while contributing to the delivery of Enhanced Partnerships as local authorities work closely with bus companies to draw on their operating knowledge and marketing skills.

The funding should also aid local authorities and operators across England as they continue working on improvements to bus services.

Transport secretary Grant Shapps said following today’s announcement: “The funding I’ve announced today will ensure millions of us can continue to use vital public transport services, and brings the total we’ve provided to the sector to keep services running throughout the pandemic to over £2 billion.

“Not only that, as we look ahead and continue our work to overhaul services and build back better from the pandemic, this funding will also help authorities and operators work together to provide even better services for people right across the country.”

The government is investing over £3 billion into bus services by 2025, including £1.2 billion to improve fares, services and infrastructure, and a further £525 million for zero emission buses.