MPs consider calls for rural bus powers

02 April 2008

The Government is considering calls to ensure the Local Transport Bill allows councils to improve the co-ordination and stability of bus services in rural areas.

The Department for Transport is sympathetic to calls that rural authorities should be able to define ‘tendered network zones’ of commercial and subsidised bus services, which new operators could not then undermine by cherry-picking the most profitable routes.

The Campaign for Better Transport last month threw its weight behind the idea, promoted by Labour peer Lord Berkeley in December, and proposed by the Association of Transport Co-ordinating Officers. But local authorities are seeking reassurance that they would be on a strong legal footing.

The CfBT warned that tendered network zones might fall outside the definition of a quality bus partnership in the Bill, and therefore, would not be legally possible. In rural areas, it would be difficult for councils to offer new physical facilities, which the Bill demands that they provide as part of a quality bus partnership agreement. They also want to know what ‘admissible objections’ bus firms could make.

The Government intends to publish the guidance to accompany the legislation in draft form for the Commons’ line-by-line committee stage of the Bill’s scrutiny, which is scheduled to be completed by May.

Register now for full access

Register just once to get unrestricted, real-time coverage of the issues and challenges facing UK transport and highways engineers.

Full website content includes the latest news, exclusive commentary from leading industry figures and detailed topical analysis of the highways, transportation, environment and place-shaping sectors. Use the link below to register your details for full, free access.

Already a registered? Login

Sign In

MPs consider calls for rural bus powers

buying biaxin

ordering clarithromycin

Register now for full access

Login