Issue details

The viability of the local commercial bus network in Staffordshire continues to struggle as patronage levels and revenue generation have not returned as initially forecast, as a result of the covid 19 Omicron variant and Plan B restrictions put in place in autumn 2021. Without an extension to existing government and local authority temporary support funding for bus operators, local bus networks are predicted to start reducing from April 2022, which could leave some communities in Staffordshire without vital services. The Department for Transport has now promised a final, additional subsidy to operators for six months, beginning in April. That intervention is essential to maintaining services in Staffordshire at the moment. Although the County Council has limited scope for action, it is recommended that concessionary travel reimbursement to local bus operators is maintained beyond March 2022 for a period of 6 months, in line with the extension of government support funding, to help stabilise the commercial bus network and allow for patronage levels to be rebuilt.