The Bus Centre of Excellence (BCoE) welcomes the Bus Services Act, which became law on 27 October 2025, marking a transformative moment for bus services across England.  

This landmark legislation represents a new era of opportunity for local authorities, bus operators, and passengers who depend on reliable, accessible bus services every day.  

The Act provides the tools and powers needed to reverse downward trends and deliver the quality bus networks our communities deserve. 

The new law introduces crucial protections for passengers by ending the risk of vital routes being scrapped at short notice. Local authorities will now be empowered to identify and protect socially necessary services, ensuring strict requirements must be followed before operators can cancel or change them.  

The Act also breaks down barriers by lifting the ban on councils establishing their own bus companies and significantly cutting red tape around bus franchising, enabling local leaders to retain control over routes and fares while working with operators. Additionally, the mandatory training for bus staff on handling anti-social behaviour and violence against women and girls demonstrates a welcome commitment to passenger and staff safety.