Bus­-Route Economics

　Since 2010, thousands of bus routes across Britain have been eliminated or privatized due to cuts in funding received from the national government. Local governments still have the right to fund the less popular routes themselves, but at the same time, the national government requires them to spend huge amounts on providing free bus passes for seniors and disabled people. For this reason, many rural districts ( 26 ). Although the local governments realize these bus routes are essential for residents to have access to things like jobs and hospitals, these governments have so many other expenses and responsibilities that they are unable to pay for everything.

　In contrast, both bus usage and the number of routes have increased in London despite the partial privatization of the bus market. The city maintained its ability to plan all aspects of the bus network, such as routes, frequency, and fares. This has been ( 27 ). The degree of control the city has over the bus system enables it to transfer funds from more profitable bus routes. This allows it to subsidize those which generate less revenue but are important for the disadvantaged people who rely on them.

　Claire Haigh, chief executive of an association promoting bus travel, believes bus services are crucial to Britain’s economic health. According to experts, every pound invested in bus services generates eight pounds’ worth of wider benefits to the economy. ( 28 ), it seems that local governments must make every effort to restore and even increase their local bus routes.