Local authorities 'to be given greater powers over bus services'

Date: 11/12/2009

New legislation on bus services is to be passed by the Department for Transport, designed to put passengers first.

The new rules will increase the powers of local authorities in England over bus routes, timetables and fares, in order to provide a service that best suits passengers.

Announced by transport minister Sadiq Khan, the legislation will give local authorities greater control over services under Quality Contracts Schemes, a style of bus franchising.

Local authorities will also be able to decide which bus services are required before entering into contracts with bus operators.

Mr Khan commented on the move: "Today's announcement sends out a clear message to the bus industry - it is absolutely imperative that decisions about services in the local community have passengers' interests firmly at the core."

He added that although the majority of bus provision in England is of a high quality, there are still places where services are not as high has passengers should be able to expect.

The government department also announced this month that 349 low carbon buses are to be introduced in England by 2012, thanks to a £30 million grant from the Green Bus Fund.