Bus operators in England have been allocated a final £226.5m support package from the Government 'to help ensure they continue to run vital services as COVID-19 restrictions are lifted'.
The cash pot runs from September 2021 to April 2022 and will support operators across England, outside of London, as passenger numbers begin to return to pre-pandemic levels.
Funding will be provided on a formula basis and will be 'the final tranche of COVID-19-related support provided to the sector', the Government said.
As well as helping to maintain services, recovery funding could also be allocated to support the National Bus Strategy and help 'encourage local authorities and operators to work together to deliver better bus services'.
Roads minister Baroness Vere said: 'Buses are the lifeblood of our communities, helping us get to work, school and to see friends and family.
'The recovery funding will ensure vital services continue to run by supporting operators in those initial months, as restrictions are lifted and passengers begin to return in higher numbers.
'And as we build back greener from the pandemic, the £120m to roll out zero emission buses will have a profoundly positive effect on our towns and cities, lowering emissions, improving air quality and reducing noise pollution.'
The recovery funding will follow the current emergency support package, which is due to end next month after providing more than £1bn to keep bus services running throughout the pandemic.
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