Episode 1

Bus infrastructure needs bold ideas

By:

Charlie Hamilton

08 Dec 202532 min listen

Buses are a lifeline for many communities in the UK, but services are under threat because patronage has declined. This first episode of our podcast discusses the innovative solutions needed to solve these problems.

Contents

Falling passenger numbers, funding focused on fare cuts rather than route improvements, and institutional bias towards new infrastructure are a few of the challenges facing the UK's bus networks. These are exacerbated by systemic issues such as misalignment between authorities, lack of capability in devolved bodies, and resource constraints.

In this episode of the podcast Charlie Hamilton, Consulting Partner, who also chairs the Northeast Bus Partnership Board, was joined by Ben Plowden, CEO of the Campaign for Better Transport, and Zelie Kasten and Laura Mason, from our advisory teams, for a conversation on how policy changes, technology, and sustainability goals are influencing mobility in the UK.

Delivery models

Pros and cons of franchising, enhanced partnerships, and lessons from international systems.

Innovation

Use of digital twins and data analytics to optimise routes and improve services.

Social impact

Transport as a driver of inclusion, employment, and economic growth; risks and benefits of devolution.

Sustainability

The debate over EV buses v modal shift, fiscal challenges from fuel duty erosion, and frameworks like avoid–shift–improve.

Listen now for insight on how policy changes, technology, and sustainability goals are changing our bus networks.

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For more insight and guidance, get in touch with Charlie Hamilton.

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