The Association of Local Bus Managers (ALBUM) has reacted with dismay to the government’s recent decision to permit a temporary exemption from PSVAR for certain home to school services.
It says that its members have complied with the Regulations and ensured that their fleets satisfied PSVAR by the deadlines mandated. They believe it is “disingenuous” to offer the exemption, claims ALBUM Chairman Bill Hiron (pictured), who is also Managing Director of Stephensons of Essex.
Those ALBUM members are now “at a competitive disadvantage” after having invested “significant sums” to ensure that they meet PSVAR deadlines, adds Mr Hiron.
“It is morally wrong that less diligent operators are potentially being given another four years to comply. That is not fair to mobility challenged passengers and it places our members at a competitive disadvantage against those that have chosen not to invest in and upgrade their fleets.
“ALBUM operators are socially conscious. Despite financial and supply chain challenges, they found a way in 2016 and 2017 to support this critical customer right and accessibility standard.”
While ALBUM recognises that there may have been a shortage of compliant vehicles if the exemption had not been granted, it has urged the government to find “a different and more appropriate solution” that “does not compromise the interests of those who have adopted and implemented the legislation both in spirit and fullness.”
The two-year exemption recently announced by DfT is available for home to school services where no more than 20% of the seats are available to passengers who have paid a fare.
Should it prove insufficient to permit compliance with PSVAR, a more restrictive further exemption may be introduced from 2022.
ALBUM represents small- and medium-sized bus independent bus operators. Its members have over 6,000 vehicles between them.
