Transport East welcomes major bus and active travel funding boost to improve sustainable connectivity across the region
Transport East has welcomed the announcement of significant investment in local bus services and active travel from the Government, with £171 million in capital and revenue funding for buses until 2030, and £55 million in active travel capital funding over the next four years.
The return to a multi-year funding approach is something we have advocated for and will allow our authorities to plan and deliver more effectively for the needs of their communities.
Local Authority Bus Grant Funding
£171m of combined capital and revenue funding has been allocated to the region up to 2030, with each authority receiving:
- Norfolk: £52,181,120
- Suffolk: £31,498,018
- Essex: £68,594,802
- Thurrock: £7,757,171
- Southend: £10,433,543
The above is the combined revenue and capital funding, annual breakdown of allocations is available below:
Buses remain the most widely used form of public transport in the East. According to our Travel & Behaviour Survey report, 28% of respondents use the bus during a typical week, with commuting the most common reason for travel. However, the survey also identified several barriers that prevent more people from choosing this mode of travel, including inconvenient routes, infrequent services and long journey times.
This funding represents an important opportunity for our authorities to continue addressing these issues, encouraging a greater shift from personal vehicles to more sustainable modes of transport. The investment is particularly significant for rural communities, where limited public transport often forces residents to rely on cars. Nearly half of survey respondents (47%) said they would be more likely to use the bus if services were more frequent.
Transport East’s research also shows how limited services can restrict opportunities for young people in rural areas, who often depend on cars – either as drivers or passengers – to reach education or work. In many cases, their choices for post-education opportunities are shaped by where and when local buses operate.
Active Travel Capability Fund
We also welcome £55m is active travel capability funding for the region! Over the next four years, this funding will support local transport authorities develop and construct walking, wheeling and cycling facilities. The revenue funding will support network planning and early scheme design plus community engagement and training activities.
- Norfolk: £15,082,603
- Suffolk: £12,537,098
- Essex: £24,739,079
- Thurrock: £1,086,046
- Southend: £1,115,058
Further information on the funding is available here.
Results from our Travel and Behaviour survey showed that walking is the most popular way to make a journey. However, concerns remain around safety and the availability of infrastructure. The survey also indicates that more people would take up cycling if the number of segregated cycling lanes increased, and wider walkways could encourage more walking and wheeling journeys. We look forward to seeing how partners address these barriers to more people choosing active travel for short journeys.
The funding will be welcomed by all local authorities in the East, supporting ambitions to strengthen public transport and active travel, improving access locally and between communities to jobs, education and other crucial services in a sustainable way.