The Bus Services Bill has now completed its passage through the committee stage, and appears to be on course to meet the government’s deadline of having the legislation in place in time for the Manchester Mayoral election in May.
The changes made at Committee Stage are relatively minor, with surrounding the removal of reference to current low emission vehicle standards for partnerships, to ensure that the Act does not become out-dated.
The next step is for the Bill to go to the report stage (planned for 27 March) where further amendments can be made; then its third reading in the House of Commons, before both Houses (Commons and Lords) consider the amendments. It will then go to Royal Assent, to become law.
To view the Bill in its current form, with the latest changes highlighted, go here