The future of the left since 1884

Publication

22 April 2025

In the Fast Lane

Buses are the backbone of public transport in the UK. For every journey by train, more than 2.5 are taken by bus. Yet despite their importance, buses have too often been overlooked in political debates and news headlines. Rail, not buses, commands the attention of policymakers.

In this pamphlet, Alex Mayer MP makes the case that improving our bus network is crucial to fulfilling Labour’s growth mission. She argues that debates around the country’s most used form of public transport must shift beyond franchising discussions centred on big cities or, at the other end of the scale, laments on rural decline. Instead, she writes, we must find solutions relevant to the towns where most people live, prioritising affordability, convenience, and quality to increase ridership and make buses an attractive option for all.

Mayer argues that to revitalise the UK’s bus network, it is important to be clear about our priorities and delineate policy objectives accordingly. The question “What do we want to achieve?” comes first. Only afterwards should we begin to think about how best to structure delivery.

In the Fast Lane Transport

Mature Decisions

17 January 2025

Senior researcher Sasjkia Otto explores options for pensioner social security reform, in the near and longer term, for consideration as part of the government’s pensions review.

Mature decisions Pensions

Home Comforts

13 January 2025

This report sets out a series of solutions to improve our poor-quality rented housing, so that everyone has a safe, secure, warm and accessible home.

Home Comforts Housing

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The Fabian Review

Winter 2024, Volume 136 - No.4

This edition of the Fabian Review focuses on the turbulent political landscape of Europe, featuring Caroline Gray, Matthias Dilling, Luke John Davies, Emma Fastesson Lindgren, and Judith Kirton-Darling. In conversation with Iggy Wood, Liam Byrne discusses inequality, populism, and sci-fi. Elsewhere, Paul Mason and Margaret Pinder discuss Labour's defence plans.

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