Jakarta, February 23, 2026 — Several regions in the UK and the United States are entering a new phase in passenger transport services, with public operators taking a more dominant role in efforts to improve access, efficiency, and service quality.

London Considers Establishing a Public Bus Company

Transport for London (TfL) is considering the establishment of a publicly owned bus company as part of its latest Business Plan to 2029/30. This plan includes “reimagining London’s bus network” with an in-house operator model to improve quality control and operational efficiency.

This effort also aligns with the expansion of bus services to areas outside London to meet growing mobility demand.

Bus Ridership Surge in Norfolk Thanks to BSIP Program

Norfolk County Council reports that bus ridership has increased 14% above pre-pandemic levels, driven by the success of the Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP). BSIP funding enabled the opening of new routes and the reinstatement of some previously suspended services.

This success confirms that local government intervention can effectively increase public interest in public transport.

US Transportation Policy Changes Potentially Impact Public Operators

In the United States, several recently released federal policies have impacted public operators. These include:

• New funding scenarios and major infrastructure projects, such as rail network modernization, are being rolled out by the US Department of Transportation (DOT).
• Regulatory disputes and transportation financing policies—for example, regarding free bus subsidies—are also under scrutiny because they could limit service flexibility for public operators.

These political and policy situations can impact fares, routes, and the sustainability of mass transit services in various cities.

“The passenger transportation sector in 2026 will be influenced by fleet electrification, alternative financing, and infrastructure modernization in preparation for the surge in global mobility.”

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Future Trends: Electrification, New Funding, and Modernization

Industry analysis indicates that the passenger transportation sector in 2026 will be significantly impacted by:

• Fleet electrification, which is beginning to replace fossil-fuel vehicles.
• Alternative funding approaches, including public-private partnerships to maintain the financial sustainability of public operators.
• Infrastructure modernization, especially in the lead-up to major events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will increase the mobility of millions of people.