Today marks 25 years since bus deregulation came into effect in Great Britain (except London), under the Transport Act 1985.
Since then, passenger numbers have fallen from 5,335 Million in 1986/87 to 5,160 Million in 2010/11, but the decline was much sharper before deregulation, falling from 12,734 Million in 1950. Bus passenger numbers are largely remaining static (only a 0.1 increase from the year before), despite the huge investment in Quality partnerships, Showcase bus routes and so on. Local authorities have the option to enter into a Quality contract with operators and this was made much easier since new legislation passed a few years ago.
Since then, passenger numbers have fallen from 5,335 Million in 1986/87 to 5,160 Million in 2010/11, but the decline was much sharper before deregulation, falling from 12,734 Million in 1950. Bus passenger numbers are largely remaining static (only a 0.1 increase from the year before), despite the huge investment in Quality partnerships, Showcase bus routes and so on. Local authorities have the option to enter into a Quality contract with operators and this was made much easier since new legislation passed a few years ago.