The scale of cuts to bus services across the country have been unveiled in a new online interactive map.
Produced by Campaign for Better Transport, the research shows that local authorities are cutting more than £27m from bus budgets over the next few years. The campaign group warns this will leave many rural and isolated communities with little or no bus services at all.
The map is based on the recent Buses in Crisis report that shows £78m has been cut from local authority bus funding in England and Wales since 2010, resulting in over 2,400 bus services being reduced, altered or withdrawn from service.
Martin Abrams, public transport campaigner at Campaign for Better Transport, said: 'With the government's promised Buses Bill on the horizon Ministers must explain exactly how this bill will help people and communities, particularly in rural and isolated areas, stay connected.
'Whilst the Buses Bill will enable much needed improvements for people in metropolitan areas, there is increasing worry and uncertainty as to what the future holds for bus users in non-metropolitan areas and with the scale of cuts we are now seeing, urgent action must be taken by the Government to ensure buses have the funding they need and deserve.'
In response, the Local Government Association (LGA) warned that many vital bus services are now under 'real threat' and called on the concessionary fares scheme to be fully funded.
Cllr Peter Box, LGA transport spokesman, said: 'The way the concessionary travel scheme is funded by Whitehall has long been unfit for purpose and has not kept up with growing demand and cost. Unless the Government commits to fully funding concessionary fares, vital bus services that support the most vulnerable in our society will continue to come under pressure. The Bus Service Operators' Grant, a fuel duty rebate paid directly to bus operators by the Government, should also be handed to councils.'
