The government’s comprehensive response to the inquiry looks at ways to issues
In response to the Transport Select Committee’s report on bus services in England outside London, the government has published its views.
The report begins by saying that the government agrees that travel by bus is essential for many people’s quality of life and remains committed to supporting the sector, so that people can choose the mode of travel that works for them.
There are 21 recommendations and the first two tackle the subject of franchising.
The Transport Committee’s report recommends that the full suite of operating models, including franchising, be available to all local authorities with the extra condition of going through the Secretary of State.
The government partly agrees with this but believes that commercial operators must have certainty as to their future business model so they can invest to benefit passengers.
The report recommends that the Secretary of State brings forward the necessary orders to enable franchising to proceed. The government agrees and says: “All the legislation needed to enable franchising to proceed has been in place since 2018.”
The government also agrees with the recommendation that it brings forward a more stable multi-year funding model for local transport, including bus services, by the summer of 2020
Other subjects addressed are; the spending review, concessionary fares for students, the publication of the evaluation of the Total Transport Pilots, the government setting targets for the modal shift, and that the government should develop and adopt a bus strategy by the end of 2020.
To read the full report go to http://bit.ly/32KxY0s
