Better buses on the way for South West after £246m government funding boost

Millions of passengers in the South West are set to benefit from faster, cheaper, and more reliable buses after the government announced a £245.9 million funding package for local authorities.

The investment is part of a wider £3 billion national programme over the next three years.

The multi-year settlement gives councils long-term certainty, allowing them to plan and invest in services to meet local needs, including introducing new routes, zero-emission vehicles, safer bus stops, and further reducing fares.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said the funding would help deliver “lower fares, more frequent services, and the reliable transport that communities depend on,” while easing the cost of living.

Roads and Buses Minister Simon Lightwood added that local leaders, rather than Whitehall, were best placed to decide how services should be run.

The South West allocation will allow councils to continue successful initiatives, such as the West of England Combined Authority’s Kids Go Free scheme.

The funding follows the Bus Services Act becoming law in October, giving councils more control over local routes and protecting socially necessary services.

The government has also extended the £3 bus fare cap, frozen rail fares for the first time in 30 years, and is reforming the railways through Great British Railways to deliver better value for passengers.

The investment aims to reverse years of decline in bus services, improve reliability, and make public transport a practical, affordable option for work, healthcare, and social travel across the South West.