Exploring and Enhancing Community Bus Routes: Understanding Operations, Challenges, and S22 Permit Usage

This project aims to examine the operation of community bus routes, focusing on understanding who is running these routes, the types of routes being operated, and the permits or licences being used.  

 

With a quarter of operators in the Mapping England survey running community bus routes, this project will explore the extent to which these services are replacing lost public bus provision, particularly in rural areas where bus availability has declined. By documenting the value and impact of community bus routes, the project will also address the myths, perceptions, and challenges surrounding the use of Section 22 (S22) permits, as well as the broader use of these permits by community transport organisations (CTOs).

 

The deliverables will include detailed case studies that cover the full scope of objectives, offering insights into the benefits, challenges, and operational models of community bus routes. A report will provide actionable recommendations for CTA, and stakeholders, to improve the knowledge and usage of S22 permits. This work will offer crucial guidance for enhancing the sustainability and effectiveness of community bus services, ensuring that CTOs can better navigate regulatory frameworks and meet local community needs.

 

We have launched the first stage of the research, thank you to everyone that has completed our survey that has started to help us understand 

  • What concerns or barriers you've encountered
  • What support or changes might help
  • How your current model compares in terms of passengers, funding, and service scope

This is the first step in a wider conversation. 

Over the next few months we'll be inviting selected operators to join structured interviews to explore themes in more depth.  If you are interested in this you can share your contact details in the mailing list. 

This research will focus on collecting evidence and insights from CTO’s in;

East Midlands, East of England, South Central, South East and South West Peninsular

 

Make sure to sign up to our mailing list for exclusive project updates and a chance to share your views! Be part of a focused group that will have a direct impact on shaping this research project.