Overview

The Bus Services (No. 2) Bill aims to improve local and school bus services in England, primarily by amending the Transport Act 2000 and other related legislation. Key changes include clarifying the process for establishing and modifying bus franchising schemes, introducing new requirements for bus operator training and zero-emission vehicles, and granting local authorities more powers to regulate bus services.

Description

This bill makes numerous amendments to existing legislation governing bus services. Significant changes include:

• Franchising Schemes: The bill simplifies the process of creating and altering bus franchising schemes, allowing for non-contiguous areas within a single scheme and providing more flexibility in specifying services. It also introduces a new procedure for varying existing schemes, including requirements for assessment and consultation.
• Service Permits: New criteria are established for granting service permits, weighing the benefits of new services against potential negative impacts on existing ones. There is also provision for registration exemptions for services provided under permits.
• Enhanced Partnership Plans: The bill mandates the identification of "socially necessary" local bus services and requires plans to address potential service cancellations.
• Local Government Bus Companies: Restrictions on local authorities forming bus companies in England are removed, though there are introduced new disqualification rules for directors.
• Grants: Local transport authorities are given power to make grants to bus operators to help cover their costs.
• Information and Transparency: The bill increases transparency by requiring more information on bus services to be made public.
• Enforcement: The bill expands the powers of inspectors, particularly concerning bus service vehicles outside local authority areas and introduces local transport authority byelaws with fixed penalties for infractions.
• Safeguarding: A new safeguarding duty is imposed on operators of school bus services, requiring them to check for barring information on drivers.
• Training: New training requirements are introduced for bus staff on crime and anti-social behavior and disability awareness.
• Zero-Emission Vehicles: The bill aims to promote the use of zero-emission vehicles for larger local bus services in England from a date no earlier than 2030.

Government Spending

The bill does not specify exact figures for government spending. However, it could lead to increased government spending through grants to bus operators and additional enforcement activities.

Groups Affected

• Bus Operators: Face new regulations on franchising, permits, training, and zero-emission vehicles. This could increase their costs and administrative burdens, but also potentially lead to increased revenue from new contracts or grants.
• Local Authorities: Gain increased powers to regulate bus services, including the ability to make byelaws and issue grants. They also have new responsibilities for planning and implementing franchising schemes and enhanced partnerships.
• Passengers: Could benefit from improved service quality, increased accessibility, and potentially lower fares under franchising schemes. They might also face new byelaws governing their conduct on buses.
• People with Disabilities: May see improvements in accessibility of bus services and stopping places due to the increased training requirements and guidance on accessibility.
• School Children: Enhanced safeguarding measures for school bus drivers aim to increase their safety.
• Traffic Commissioners: Increased responsibilities in the enforcement of the act's provisions.

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