To supplement the core network of high quality commercial services, we spend around £5 million each year to maintain in the region of 130 bus services, mainly in less densely populated areas, which could not be provided without subsidy.

These subsidised services are reviewed on an area-by-area rolling programme, with each area being looked at every four years. The reviews help us to prioritise funding for bus services to make sure it is invested where it is most needed and include:

• Computer-based accessibility modelling
• Extensive consultation with local councils and others
• Surveys of usage of services.

Using this information, we consider various options for re-organising of services or funding them differently to serve people’s needs as well as possible. Usually this includes altering timetables and service frequencies, re-tendering of services, and exploring alternatives such as community transport where appropriate.