Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether the forthcoming integrated national transport strategy will include targets for improving rural bus a) coverage and b) frequency.

The integrated national transport strategy will focus on creating a transport network that works well for people wherever they live, addressing the main barriers people face in accessing good transport and empower local leaders to deliver better transport for their communities. As the strategy is being finalised, I cannot comment on specific policy or metrics but it will seek to ensure transport across England is safe, reliable and accessible so people can make the journeys they need to easily.

Beyond the strategy, the Government is committed to delivering better buses throughout England, including in rural areas, and introduced the Bus Services Act 2025 to put the power over local bus services back into the hands of local leaders. In addition, the Government has confirmed over £1 billion for the 2025 to 2026 financial year to support and improve bus services in England outside London. Essex County Council and Thurrock Council have been allocated £17.8 million and £2 million of this funding respectively, helping to improve bus services and connectivity across these areas.

The Government is also introducing a new approach to monitoring bus service performance through a framework of bus outcomes focused on what matters most to passengers. Combined with the flexibility for local transport authorities to invest where it’s needed most locally, this framework will drive up standards and ensure a consistent level of bus service right across the country.