Local Transport Bill - final amendments give local transport authorities more power
The final amendments to the Local Transport Bill have been passed, many of which will give further powers to local transport authorities.
Key amendments include:
- Local transport authorities will have the final say on whether proposed Quality Contract schemes go ahead (rather than an external appeals board performing this function)
- Local transport authorities will have the power to act as a bus operators of 'last resort' if a bus operator fails to fulfil its obligations under a Quality Contract (this power will be exercised in exceptional circumstances only and will be time-limited)
- Traffic Commissioners will be given the power to force failing operators to invest in facilities such as bus stops, as well as the services themselves (in exceptional circumstances)
- Trams and passenger facilities will come under the remit of Passenger Focus (in addition to bus and coach services already included in the Bill)
The new Local Transport Bill goes some way towards addressing the perceived problems caused by de-regulation of the buses in the 1980s, particularly with the introduction of Quality Contracts. This will allow local transport authorities to franchise the bus network within a local area, with the power to specify routes, fares and the frequency of the network. It is expected that local transport authorities will first look to form voluntary or statutory partnerships with the bus operators, before going down the route of Quality Contracts, as these are felt to more complicated and carry greater risks.
The Bill is expected to receive Royal Assent later this month.
