OVERVIEW

We are delighted to be hosting our 7th UK Bus Summit in partnership with Passenger Transport magazine. The event will take place in Greater Manchester, home of the Bee Network which recently brought buses into its integrated transport system successfully, making the region the first to bring local bus services under local control.

2025 is an important year for the most heavily used form of public transport across the UK, with new Buses Bills currently going through both UK and Welsh Parliaments allowing the introduction of franchising and municipal operations. It also heralds the first Comprehensive Spending Review of the new UK Government who has placed growth at the top of its agenda and views bus as a vital tool to help boost it. Following hot on the heels of Greater Manchester, Regional Mayors across England are moving to transform their bus networks, with most currently in the process of progressing re-regulation.

You will have the opportunity to hear from decision makers on the latest legislative, policy and practical developments across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, together with industry professionals, operators and the supply chain who will be analysing and discussing the key developments in the sector over the next few years including:

• Lessons from Greater Manchester's recent adoption of bus franchising as part of its Bee Network
• Updates from the Regional Mayors on plans for transforming their bus networks
• What kinds of franchising model work best in which areas and where should successful enhanced partnerships be retained
• What can we do to make bus and coach accessible, affordable and safe, particularly for women and girls
• How can technology fast-track both improved customer experience and de-carbonisation
• Making the case for long-term, multi-year funding settlements for buses