Bus passengers 'losing patience' with service reforms

Plans to fix under-fire bus services in Bristol have been pushed back until next year.

The delay has been branded “unacceptable” by campaigners, who say passengers are losing patience with unreliable services and axed routes in the city and wider region.

Local authorities are set to be given greater powers under the government's Better Buses bill, due to be tabled in early 2025.

The West of England Combined Authority committee (WECA) has decided to wait for details of the law change before pushing ahead with potential reforms.

Bus improvements remain a “key priority” for residents, according to Bristol City Council leader Tony Dyer.

The Green councillor said: “We need to look at providing a timeline of actions that will actually happen.

"We are starting to exhaust the patience of residents of Bristol and the rest of the West of England.”

Bus franchising and municipal ownership are the two options being explored by politicians.

Franchising would see greater democratic control over routes, fares and standards, with companies such as First Bus and Stagecoach continuing to operate services.

The launch of a publicly-owned bus company is the other avenue under consideration, should an existing government ban on this measure be reversed.

Campaigners have criticised the wait for a new report on bus reforms.

Anna Mounteney, from Reclaim Our Buses, said: “Instead of a decisive plan, we’ve been handed an eight-page document that offers little more than a budget proposal.

“Now we’re expected to wait again until 2025 for the prospect of tangible reform.”

Dan Norris, the Labour metro mayor of the West of England, said July’s general election had delayed progress.

Mr Norris said: “I have to make decisions and work within the rules, and I’m afraid it does take time.

“I share your frustration about how long it’s taking.”

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