Jeff Smith MP has welcomed the Labour Government’s Bus Services (No.2) Bill, which has its Second Reading in Parliament today (02/06/2025) and delivers on a key pledge to give local areas more control over bus services.

The Labour Government’s legislation takes inspiration from the success of Greater Manchester’s Bee Network – the UK’s first fully franchised bus system outside London – and gives local transport authorities across the country new powers to bring services under public control.

Under franchising, Greater Manchester has already seen improvements to reliability, affordability, and access. More than 75 upgraded services are now running, 75% of the bus fleet is under four years old, and capped fares and contactless ticketing have helped increase passenger journeys by 17 million in 2024 alone.

The Bill will remove unnecessary barriers introduced under the Conservatives, giving councils and mayors the tools they need to deliver integrated, publicly accountable networks that meet local needs.

Jeff Smith MP said:

“The Labour Government is keeping its promise to put power in local hands and fix the broken bus system left by the Conservatives.

“We’re already seeing the benefits of the Bee Network here in Greater Manchester – better routes, capped fares, cleaner buses and growing passenger numbers. This Bill will allow more areas to follow our lead.

“By giving councils the tools to take back control of services, the Labour Government is helping people in Manchester Withington and beyond get to work, school, and vital appointments more easily – while cutting emissions and driving local growth.”

The Bus Services (No.2) Bill also includes new powers to tackle anti-social behaviour and fare evasion, creates stronger enforcement tools for local transport bodies, and enables the creation of municipal bus companies.

The legislation is part of the Labour Government’s Plan for Change and mission to build a fairer, greener transport system that works for all.