Along with other local transport authorities, we were required to publish a Bus Service Improvement Plan, detailing how we intend to improve bus services, as part of the government’s Bus Back Better strategy in March 2021, supported by an Enhanced Partnership between us and bus operators working together to improve local bus services.
We meet with bus operators every 2 months as an Enhanced Partnership Board to discuss ongoing Bus Service Improvement Plan works and develop and agree future ideas and plans. This is supported by a stakeholder forum meeting made up of key stakeholders including colleges, NHS trusts, rail operators and neighbouring councils. A bus users’ forum covering all of Bedfordshire also meets on a quarterly basis.
Our initial Bus Service Improvement Plan was published in October 2021 with a further revision in October 2022, and an update in 2024.
View or download our current Bus Service Improvement Plan (PDF)
View or download our Enhanced Partnership Plan (PDF)
In April 2022 we were awarded funding of £3.724 million over the years 2022/23 to 2024/25, to implement the measures identified in our Bus Service Improvement Plan.
In early 2024, local authorities were asked by the government to publish a further Bus Service Improvement Plan setting out a vision for further development from April 2025 onward, subject to funding being available. In December 2024, a further £ 3.018 million funding was confirmed for the 2025/26 financial year.
How have we improved bus services?
Since the receipt of DfT funding in instalments since early 2023, we have delivered:
- enhancements to bus services on certain key corridors
- centralisation of production across Bedford Borough, Central Bedfordshire and Luton of all timetables and roadside bus stop publicity, support to operators to deliver better publicity, along with timetable booklets (produced by us) in certain targeted areas
- ‘Days out By Bus’ scheme and booklet to encourage increased bus usage to visitor attractions within Central Bedfordshire and beyond
- significant improvements to bus shelters and real-time information
- a passenger charter
- a comprehensive review of highway ‘hot spots’ to identify locations which slow the progress of buses down
- a multi-operator bus ticket, valid on all bus journeys starting and/or finishing in Central Bedfordshire
- a discounted travel scheme for young Central Bedfordshire residents under 19
We are currently delivering:
- the installation of systems to give buses priority through traffic signals
- bespoke training programme to assist bus operators in employing new bus drivers
- the remediation of highway ‘hot spots’ to improve the flow of buses on the road network
Our plans for 2025 and 2026
Continue and expand on projects already underway. These include:
- enhancement/development of key bus routes
- bus shelter upgrade programme
- RTPI installation programme
- YP Card discounted travel scheme for young people
- produce and distribute marketing materials
- bus driver training scheme
- highways ‘hot spot’ remediation
Projects to be delivered in 2025 and 2026
These include:
- commissioning a feasibility study, jointly with Luton Borough Council and England’s Economic Heartland (EEH), into extending the Luton to Dunstable busway
- electronic bus timetable displays at key locations
- kerbing upgrade programme
- develop and implement a marketing strategy to encourage new people to try the bus and to encourage real modal shift
- potential development of a new bus engineer training or conversion / upskill scheme
Contact us
If you have any questions, please email us.