Labour has announced plans to pump £1.3bn a year into local bus services to 'reverse cuts made to 3,000 bus routes' since 2010 and expand services.
The news follows Labour's pledge to fund free bus travel for under 25 year olds - a move could help save 13 million people up to £1,000 a year, it said.
Both policies would be paid for using money ring-fenced from Vehicle Excise Duty. Under current Conservative Government plans from 2020 Vehicle Excise Duty would be used to pay for Highways England and major local roads.
Labour argues its policy would help 'provide a lifeline to many people, particularly the elderly, the vulnerable and people living in rural areas' as well as help foster a more climate-friendly transport policy.
Jeremy Corbyn MP, Leader of the Labour Party, said: 'Bus services have been devastated by nine years of austerity. Thousands of routes have been axed, fares have soared and passenger numbers are in freefall.
'Cuts have had disastrous consequences for our towns and city centres and for air pollution and the environment. Bus networks are essential for towns and cities and for tackling rural poverty and isolation, which is why Labour is committed to creating thriving bus networks under public ownership.'
Andy McDonald MP, Labour’s shadow transport secretary, said: 'Labour is announcing an end to austerity for buses and the funding needed to transform local services to allow our towns and cities to thrive.'
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