Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the financial implications for public transport providers from the reduction in commuters using public transport due to the increase in home working; and what assessment have they made of the implications for the future of public transport.

During the pandemic £14bn of financial support has been provided to the rail sector, while £1.5bn in emergency funding was provided to bus operators and Local Transport Authorities through the Coronavirus Bus Service Support Grant (CBSSG), which was in operation between March 2020 and August 2021. CBSSG helped ensure services remained available for those who needed them most.

We also acknowledge the need to respond to new ways of working post-pandemic. That’s why we have introduced flexible season tickets across the rail network in England this year. This is a national product, priced to provide better value and convenience for commuters travelling two to three days a week. We are working with the rail industry to develop a number of recovery initiatives, focused on restoring passenger confidence in travelling by rail.

Whilst a significant proportion of bus passengers have returned after restrictions were lifted, recognising the financial challenges faced by the sector during this transitional period, the government is providing an additional £226.5m in funding to the sector through the Bus Recovery Grant. This will help operators to continue to run a high level of service, maintain networks and attract passengers back on board.