Operators have just five weeks to read and respond to a consultation by the Department for Transport (DfT) on the first tranche of draft secondary legislation – regulations and guidance – which will set out the detail of the provisions in the eventual Bus Services Act.
The closing date for comments is 21 March.
The draft regulations include Advanced Quality Partnership Schemes and franchising including service permits, transitional provisions, enhanced partnerships and the operator objection mechanism along with information on varied or cancelled services.
The guidance includes information authorities should follow when conducting an assessment of their franchising scheme; how authorities should approach enhanced partnerships and competition considerations.
Buses Minister Andrew Jones has reaffirmed the government’s position on revising the Bus Services Bill after its passage through the Lords.
Speaking at the UK Bus Summit he said: “We came up against opposition in the House of Lords. Although changes were made to the Bill as a result, I will be working hard to ensure that the Bill will return largely in its original form.
“One of the most notable changes made to the Bill in the Lords was the opening up of franchising to all local transport authorities in England.
“The government’s position is clear. We do not support that change. Strong governance and accountability is needed to make franchising a success.”
“Other local authorities will [only] be able to access franchising powers with the Secretary of State’s consent.
“I’m also expecting the Bill’s timetable to remain on track. Article 50 has taken parliamentary time, but we are committed to getting the Bill through Parliament before the Mayoral elections.”
- The consultation is here
