Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps he is taking to improve night-time public transport to support the night-time economy.

The government knows that public transport is vital to keeping communities connected, including at night to support the nighttime economy.

The government introduced the Bus Services (No.2) Bill on 17 December to put the power over local bus services back into the hands of local leaders. In addition, the government has confirmed £955 million for the 2025 to 2026 financial year to support and improve bus services in England outside London. This funding can be used in whichever way local authorities wish to improve services for passengers, including improving nighttime bus services.

Rail services are supported by requirements on train operators to plan services and design timetables to meet both current and future passenger demand, while also ensuring value for money for the taxpayer. The government commitment to public ownership through Great British Railways will also help to deliver a unified system that focuses on reliable, affordable, high-quality, and efficient transport services, whilst also ensuring safety and accessibility. Under public ownership, passenger services can be operated in the interests of passengers, not shareholders, including by helping to improve access to night time services.