SmartCitiesWorld Weekly Update - 29 September 2023
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You wait ages for a bus, and then two come along at once." This week, similar can be said of news stories centred on the bus industry, as our newsletter introduction is dedicated to three updates from the last week on innovative bus services and strategies designed to better serve urban communities. Bus services are the lifeblood of urban transportation, connecting people to jobs, education, and essential services. From greater integration of services in Greater Manchester to significant funding for improvements in the UK, and the expansion of on-demand transit services in Kitsap County, the initiatives highlighted below are enhancing urban mobility and in places redefining the future of public transportation for their communities.
Firstly, this week saw the launch of the first services on the much-anticipated Bee Network in Greater Manchester – the region's mission to take back local control and transform its bus services through enhanced integration. By taking greater control of its bus network, the city is working towards seamless, efficient, and more affordable travel. The move represents the first time in England that bus regulation has been reversed after almost 40 years and is also one of the most significant and visible changes brought about through devolution. The network is part of Greater Manchester’s plan for an integrated, low-cost, high-frequency public transport network, bringing together local trams, buses and bikes – and ultimately local train services – with what claims to be the largest walking, wheeling and cycling network anywhere in the UK.
Remaining in the UK, the government this week announced a further £80m in funding to 64 local authorities across England as part of the Bus Service Improvement Plan+ (BSIP+) for 2024-25. Local authorities can use the funding to improve local buses in several ways, such as by bringing in new services or routes, extending timetables through new morning or evening buses, or by making tickets cheaper through reduced fares for elderly or young people, depending on what will be most valuable in their local area.
Across the pond, Kitsap County, located in Washington state, is redefining its transit services by expanding on-demand options. This flexibility in public transportation is designed to meet the unique needs of passengers, providing more efficient and responsive services. Under the new service, with rollout starting September 2023, on-demand and flexible service will be available across three new zones in Kitsap County with service days expanding throughout the entire week, bringing the total number of services in Kitsap County to four.
The evolution of bus services in cities is vital for enhancing urban mobility, reducing emissions, and improving the overall quality of life for residents. As urban populations continue to grow, efficient and sustainable public transportation systems are essential for the future. These initiatives demonstrate how cities are actively reimagining their bus services to better serve their communities and meet the evolving transportation needs of a 21st-century urban environment.
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Luke Antoniou , Senior editor, SmartCitiesWorld.net
Here is a round up of the headline stories from the past week: