Reversal of bus deregulation paves way for local authorities to reclaim transport control

MPs have overwhelmingly approved a bill to reverse decades of bus deregulation, granting councils new powers to create and manage their own bus networks, with aims to improve accessibility, safety, and environmental standards.

MPs have voted decisively to repeal a 2017 ban on councils setting up their own bus companies, with a majority of 275 approving the Bus Services (No. 2) Bill as it nears becoming law. This legislation marks a significant shift in local transport policy after decades of deregulation, aiming to empower town halls with greater control over bus routes, timetables, fares, and the ability to protect “socially necessary” services from being axed abruptly. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander described the Bill as the most substantial overhaul of bus services in a generation, highlighting its potential to improve service accessibility, introduce greener buses, and integrate bus networks more effectively into local transport systems.

The Bill introduces new duties on local authorities to partner with bus operators in identifying services considered essential for social connectivity and public need. It requires councils to specify conditions that operators must meet when attempting to cancel or alter such routes, as well as to explore alternative measures that could mitigate the impact of service changes. This approach responds to longstanding criticisms of deregulation, which have led to reduced services, especially in rural and less commercially viable areas. For instance, independent MP Chris Hinchliff lamented the creation of “public transport deserts” in rural towns and villages, pointing to severe social consequences like increased pollution, isolation, and limited access to education and employment.

The Bill also permanently removes the requirement for councils to seek government consent before setting up franchised bus networks akin to those in London and Manchester, thereby streamlining the process for local authorities to take more direct control. This change is supported by provisions making franchising easier and faster to implement, according to parliamentary briefings. Such reforms aim to reverse the perceived failures of decades of privatisation and deregulation that critics argue have harmed public transport reliability and accessibility.

Safety and accessibility were key concerns addressed during parliamentary debate. Discussions highlighted the problematic design of “floating bus stops,” where a cycle lane is positioned between the bus stop and pavement. Vulnerable users such as people who are blind, partially sighted, elderly, or those with young children have found these setups intimidating and hazardous. Labour MP Marsha de Cordova, who is registered blind, described crossing cycle lanes to reach bus stops as “quite terrifying and very dangerous.” The government has pledged to publish statutory guidance and conduct further research on improving these stops, with Active Travel England supporting councils in reviewing and remediating existing designs.

While Labour and independent MPs broadly welcomed the Bill as a corrective step towards more inclusive and locally responsive public transport, Conservative shadow transport minister Jerome Mayhew cautioned that the new powers could expose local authorities to financial risks without adequate government support. He also raised concerns about passenger safety related to floating bus stops, advocating for a possible ban or strict regulatory measures in future parliamentary votes.

The Bill has passed all readings in the House of Commons and will return to the House of Lords for final consideration of amendments before receiving Royal Assent and becoming law. Government impact assessments have rated the legislation as fit-for-purpose, noting its comprehensive coverage of over 20 measures aimed at enhancing bus services nationwide, including training for bus staff, enforcement improvements, and zero-emission targets.

This legislation represents a pivotal moment for local transport policy in England, potentially reversing the legacy of deregulation by equipping local authorities with the tools to rebuild and modernise bus networks to better serve their communities, particularly those in rural and underserved areas.

📌 Reference Map:

• Paragraph 1 – ^[1], ^[6], ^[7]
• Paragraph 2 – ^[1], ^[5], ^[2], ^[3]
• Paragraph 3 – ^[1], ^[6], ^[3]
• Paragraph 4 – ^[1], ^[3], ^[6]
• Paragraph 5 – ^[1]
• Paragraph 6 – ^[1], ^[3], ^[5]
• Paragraph 7 – ^[1], ^[7]

Source: Noah Wire Services

Noah Fact Check Pro

The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.

Freshness check

Score:
10

Notes:
The narrative is current, reporting on the recent approval of the Bus Services (No. 2) Bill by MPs on 10 September 2025. The earliest known publication date of similar content is 10 September 2025, indicating freshness. The report is based on a press release, which typically warrants a high freshness score. No discrepancies in figures, dates, or quotes were found. No similar content appeared more than 7 days earlier. The article includes updated data and does not recycle older material.

Quotes check

Score:
10

Notes:
The direct quotes from Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander and MP Chris Hinchliff are unique to this report. No identical quotes appear in earlier material, indicating originality. No variations in quote wording were found.

Source reliability

Score:
8

Notes:
The narrative originates from The Irish News, a reputable news outlet. However, it is not as widely recognised as some other major UK news organisations, which slightly reduces the reliability score.

Plausability check

Score:
10

Notes:
The claims about the Bus Services (No. 2) Bill are consistent with other reputable sources, such as the UK government’s official website. The language and tone are appropriate for the topic and region. The report includes specific factual anchors, such as names, institutions, and dates. No excessive or off-topic detail unrelated to the claim is present. The tone is consistent with typical corporate or official language.

Overall assessment

Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS

Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH

Summary:
The narrative is fresh, original, and sourced from a reputable outlet. All claims are plausible and supported by specific details. No significant credibility risks were identified.