Transport Act 2000

[F1 154A Grants by local transport authorities in England E+W

(1) A local transport authority whose area is in England may make grants to operators of the services mentioned in subsection (2) towards their costs in operating those services in that area.

(2) The services are—

(a) local services which have one or more stopping places in the authority’s area, and

(b) services which have one or more stopping places in the authority’s area and would be local services but for section 2(4)(b) of the Transport Act 1985.

(3) Grants under this section are to be of such amount and subject to such conditions (including conditions requiring their repayment in specified circumstances) as may be determined by the authority.

(4) If a local transport authority is a mayoral combined authority, the function under subsection (1) is a function of the combined authority exercisable only by the mayor acting on behalf of the combined authority.

(5) If a local transport authority is a mayoral CCA, the function under subsection (1) is a function of the combined county authority exercisable only by the mayor acting on behalf of the combined county authority.

(6) The Secretary of State may issue guidance as to the exercise of functions under this section by local transport authorities and mayors; and they must have regard to any such guidance.

(7) The guidance may, in particular, include guidance—

(a) about the protection of services mentioned in subsection (2) that are socially necessary,

(b) about how the services mentioned in that subsection can contribute to economic growth and the protection of the environment, and

(c) setting out practical considerations to be taken into account when exercising functions under this section.

(8) The Secretary of State may at any time vary or revoke guidance issued under subsection (6).

(9) The Secretary of State must publish—

(a) guidance issued under subsection (6), and

(b) any variation or revocation of the guidance.

(10) Section 88(1) of the Transport Act 1985 (application to subsidy agreements of sections 89 to 92 of that Act) does not apply in relation to grants under this section.]

Textual Amendments

F1 S. 154A inserted (26.1.2026) by Bus Services Act 2025 (c. 24), ss. 23, 41(5); S.I. 2026/46, reg. 2(m)