The latest annual data from the Department for Transport (year ending March 2025) reveals that bus travel in England is steadily rebounding, with modest growth in usage and mileage—mainly outside London. But recovery remains incomplete, highlighting ongoing gaps in both the capital and rural areas.
- Total local bus passenger journeys in England reached 3.7 billion in the year ending March 2025 — a 1% increase compared with 2024.
- Bus service mileage rose to 1.01 billion vehicle-miles, up 2% on the previous year.
- Compared with pre-COVID (around 2020), bus usage is at roughly 90% of earlier levels.
Growth hotspots vs. declining areas
Bus travel is recovering in England, but the growth is happening almost entirely outside London.
- England outside London saw clear gains: passenger journeys increased 4% to around 1.84 billion, and service mileage rose 3% compared with 2024.
- Metropolitan areas led the recovery with a 5% rise in journeys.
- Non-metropolitan areas (rural and smaller towns) grew by 3%.
- London, by contrast, saw a 1% drop in journeys to around 1.82 billion, while service mileage stayed flat.
Overall the national rebound in bus use is being powered by regions outside the capital, while London continues its long-term decline in bus ridership.
Patronage mix
Recovery in bus usage is being fuelled more by everyday travellers (commuters, shoppers, leisure passengers) than by reliance on concessionary travel alone:
- 28% of bus journeys in 2025 were concessionary, about 1 billion trips, down from 32% pre-pandemic
- Concessionary travel now makes up a similar share in London and outside (27% vs 28%)
What remains a challenge
Overall, the recovery is partial and uneven:
- Bus use is still only about 90% of pre-COVID levels
- London’s decline continues, reflecting deeper structural issues
- Rural and smaller towns remain well below their 2000s peaks, especially per person
Why this matters
- Public transport connectivity: For many communities — especially outside major cities — buses remain a lifeline. Growth outside London suggests renewed interest and reliance on public transport.
- Environmental and social benefits: More bus usage reduces reliance on cars, cutting congestion and emissions, and aiding social inclusion for people without access to a vehicle.
- Policy implications: The figures highlight the importance of sustained support for bus services — both operationally and financially. For London in particular, reversing the decline may require targeted interventions (improved services, affordability, convenience).
Looking ahead
The 2025 data offers cautious optimism: bus use is recovering and nearing pre-pandemic levels outside London, but gaps persist in the capital and rural areas. Continued investment and policy support will be essential to strengthen and sustain services.
View the full report on the DfT website: Annual bus statistics: year ending March 2025
