The Department for Transport (DfT) has published its response to the consultation on the Bus Services Act 2017 Regulations.
In most cases, it will proceed as it intended to, particularly on the moot point about the information operators will be required to give local authorities prior to franchising.
The next stage will be to issue the formal regulations and guidance, which will bring most of the Act into force.
The Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT) says that it is “very pleased that DfT has largely agreed with the industry's comments made during the consultation process” and that it will “continue to engage with DfT officials as the Regulations and Guidance are brought into force.”
Under the Act, operators in an area to be covered by a franchising scheme will be required to provide information about the costs of providing services and the vehicles used.
Says the DfT: “We want to ensure that decisions to proceed with franchising are taken on the basis of robust analysis and information.
“The provisions in the Act, supplemented by these proposed regulations, will help ensure that authorities have up to date information on which to base their decisions.
“We understand the reservations expressed by many operators and operator representatives through this consultation process, but consider that information about the costs of operating services in the area is something that authorities need to understand if they are to make informed judgements about the value for money and affordability of franchising.”
Find out more
Outcome at: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/bus-services-bill-draft-regulations-and-guidance
