Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Box 23.3 Changes to bus service regulation
The requirement that Quality Contract schemes may be proposed where they are the
'only practicable way' of implementing an authority's bus strategy is replaced by the
following criteria:
• they must contribute to the implementation of 'local transport policies'
• they must offer the beneits of higher quality services and increased use of local
buses ('increase' meaning also reducing, arresting or reversing decline)
• the existing requirement that the scheme implements policies in a way that is
'economic, efficient and effective' is complemented by a competition test which
requires any adverse effects on competition are proportionate to the public
interest benefits.
Approval of a QC scheme requires prior publication of a consultation document
demonstrating how the above criteria will be met, plus a statement on funding. In
England approvals will be determined by an Approvals Board chaired by a Traffic
Commissioner (instead of the Secretary of State) which may hold a public inquiry.
The modified competition test applying to voluntary partnership schemes,
ticketing schemes and subsidised local services is extended to multi-lateral
agreements and permits inclusion of items relating to minimum frequencies, timings
and maximum fares. Operators may also co-ordinate services amongst themselves
provided agreements are endorsed by the local transport authority.
Traffic commissioners are empowered to investigate poor punctuality and
recommend remedial measures by operators or local traffic authorities.
The powers available to PTEs and other local transport authorities to secure the
provision of passenger transport services which would not otherwise be provided are
amended to permit the attainment of standards of frequency or timing, or vehicles
used (i.e. enabling service enhancements, not merely the replacement of 'gaps' in
the network).
The regulations governing community transport are amended so that all section
19 permits (to community groups) are issued by the Traffic Commissioners and allow
use of vehicles with fewer than nine seats whilst section 22 permits for the provision
of local services allow drivers on these services to be paid and for vehicles with more
than 16 seats to be used.
Source: Local Transport Act 2008; NB applies to England outside London and to Wales only
to find a middle way between the competing ideologies of free market and planned
provision and the conflicting interests of commercial operators and public authorities.
Included in the guidance is an indication that Ministers are preparing to accept
the idea of 'Tendered Network Zones' for co-ordinating bus services in rural areas as
proposed by the Association of Transport Coordinating Officers. In areas where the
majority of services are tendered this would allow a local authority to specify criteria
for local services and to protect a designated network by specifying restrictions on new
registrations (LTT 471).
In relation to Quality Contract schemes the Government's intentions could be
frustrated by the actions of commercial companies' operators who are opposed to the
concept and/or who do not win contracts in an area in which they currently operate.
 
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