Somerset Council has said there is “still some way to go” to address the need for public transport in underserved areas, despite a £7 million boost to funding from the government. 

Transport Secretary Louise Haigh confirmed yesterday (18 November) that Somerset County Council will benefit from a £6,849,770 investment over the 2025 to 2026 financial year.  

The move is part of a “once-in-a-generation reform” aimed at delivering “London-style bus services to every corner of the country”. 

However, while Somerset Council welcomed the much-needed support, it also said that work still needs to be done to address the imbalance of public transport services for “rural areas”. 

“This is positive news in terms of supporting our aims to improve bus provision in Somerset,” a statement from the council said. 

“In broad terms whilst it appears to be a fairer allocation, there’s still some way to go in terms of addressing the balance for public transport deprived rural areas.  

“We are awaiting full detail on the funding from the Department for Transport. Once we have this information the Council can look at how funding could be used to maximum effect.” 

As part of the government's plan, “historically underserved” areas will be a priority, but services in every region in England will benefit from the funding.   

According to the Department for Transport (DfT), the investment will enhance popular routes, protect rural services and increase bus use for shopping, socialising and commuting.   

It will prevent service reductions on at-risk routes and improve punctuality across England, to bring an end to the current “postcode lottery” of unreliable services.    

The DfT acknowledged that “services have consistently suffered” due to “complicated and inconsistent funding which have ultimately impacted the passenger”.   

Transport Secretary Louise Haigh said: “The value of regular and reliable bus services cannot be understated.       

“For far too long, the South West has been suffering from unreliable services with buses hugely delayed, or not even turning up at all.        

“This funding kickstarts the bus revolution to bring an end to the postcode lottery of bus services, drive economic growth and make sure people have proper access to jobs and opportunities.      

“We’ve already committed over £150 million to extend the bus fare cap and keep fares low and this nearly £1billion of further funding will mean local routes are protected, reliability is improved and the passenger is put first.”