This past week saw several major policy announcements affecting the bus sector — including the passing of the Bus Services Act 2025, the Government’s response to the Transport Committee’s Buses Connecting Communities report, and the Public Accounts Committee’s new report on Local Bus Services in England.

Chief Executive of ITS UK, the association for transport technology, Max Sugarman, said: “On behalf of the transport technology sector, we welcome the Bus Services Act and the new powers it grants Mayors and local authorities to integrate their transport networks. Technology stands at the heart of delivering joined-up, seamless journeys for the public, and we look forward to working with authorities around the country as they work to make their bus networks part of one holistic transport system.

“As the Public Account Committee’s report on buses published this week shows, there is much more for technology to do to support our bus network. The report highlights that fewer than one in six bus users has live updates at their bus stop, with great disparity between different parts of the country. It is positive that the Committee calls on Government to set out how it will help local authorities in achieving this.

“Also published this week was the Government’s response to the Buses Connecting Communities report, which ITS UK gave evidence to. It is very welcome to see Government back our call for a change in VAT rules for Demand Responsive Transport services, which act as a barrier for authorities in using this innovative form of public transport. As the Budget approaches, we strongly urge the Treasury to consider this cost-neutral change, which could have such a significant benefit to rural communities that rely on DRT services.”  

Note to Editors

1. More on the Bus Services Act 2025
2. The Government’s response to the Transport Committee’s Buses Connecting Communities Inquiry
3. The Public Accounts Committee report on Local Bus Services in England.
4. About ITS UK: Intelligent Transport Systems UK (ITS UK) is the voice of the transport technology industry. ITS UK provides a national platform to support the roll out of technology for a cleaner, safer and more effective transport network, both at home and abroad. We support nearly 200 members – from both the private and public sector, and covering all sizes and disciplines – through advocacy to policy makers, connecting people and organisations, promoting the industry overseas and supporting innovation across the intelligent transport ecosystem. www.its-uk.org.