Bus Users UK Manifesto calls on government to put buses at heart of national policies

Today is World Public Transport Day so we're sharing awareness for Bus Users UK's 2026 manifesto and calls to the government to recognise the central role buses play in supporting economic growth, decarbonisation and social inclusion.

Bus Users UK is calling for long-term, well-funded reform of bus services. The charity, which campaigns for inclusive and accessible transport, is urging ministers to recognise the central role buses play in supporting economic growth, decarbonisation and social inclusion.

They want to ensure that buses become:

  • Reliable
  • Affordable
  • Accessible for everyone
  • Environmentally sustainable
  • Better integrated into wider transport planning

They argue buses are a “lifeline service” and should be treated as a core public service, not just a commercial one. Launching the 2026 Manifestos, the CEO and Country Directors of Bus Users UK have urged their respective governments to recognise buses as a national policy priority with passengers and communities front and centre.

Manifesto priorities for government

Core priorities across all three nations include the need to:

  • Protect essential services with a legal duty ensuring minimum public transport access for all communities, properly funded.
  • Provide long-term funding through multi-year settlements to support reliable services, not just infrastructure.
  • Prioritise sustainable travel via bus lanes, signal priority, and enforcement to reduce congestion.
  • Improve accessibility with national standards, disability training, and enforcement of priority seating/space.
  • Simplify fares and ticketing using tap-in/tap-out systems, fare caps, and better bus–rail integration.
  • Strengthen passenger rights through national standards, transparent reporting, and stronger oversight.

Additional priorities by country:

England

  • Extend concessionary travel
  • Embed buses in transport investment and wider planning for housing, health and employment

Scotland

  • Safeguard concessionary travel
  • Restore investment in bus priority and infrastructure

Wales

  • Deliver passenger-first franchising

Important components of person-centred transport are accessibility and affordability. EVM offer a range of minibuses and medium-sized coaches to address a range of community needs. The low-floor Cityline is available as both electric and diesel, and is purpose-built for public transport routes.

Contact our sales team to learn more about the range of options available to you. See the image gallery below for recent deliveries to communities across the UK and further afield.

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