Overview

The Bus Services (No. 2) Bill aims to improve local and school bus services in England, primarily by reforming the franchising system and enhancing partnerships between local authorities and bus operators. It introduces measures to increase transparency, improve safety and accessibility, and promote the use of zero-emission vehicles.

Description

The bill makes numerous amendments to existing legislation, including the Transport Act 2000 and the Public Passenger Vehicles Act 1981. Key changes include:

Franchising Schemes:

• Extends the availability of franchising schemes to more areas, allowing non-contiguous areas to be included.
• Provides greater flexibility in specifying services within a franchising scheme.
• Streamlines the procedure for varying franchising schemes and allows for direct award of contracts to incumbent operators under specific conditions.

Enhanced Partnership Plans and Schemes:

• Introduces the concept of "socially necessary local services" requiring operators to notify authorities of proposed cancellations or variations affecting access to essential services.
• Mandates that passengers benefit from cost reductions resulting from government or authority-provided facilities.
• Clarifies the procedure for objections by operators to variations of enhanced partnership schemes.

Local Government Functions:

• Removes restrictions on the formation of bus companies by local authorities.
• Allows local transport authorities to make grants to bus operators.

Information and Enforcement:

• Increases transparency regarding information collected from bus operators, including financial and operational data.
• Grants inspectors broader powers, allowing them to act outside the local authority area for specific services.
• Empowers local transport authorities to create bus byelaws covering issues such as fare evasion, order, and vaping.

School Bus Services:

• Introduces a new safeguarding duty requiring bus operators to check enhanced criminal record certificates of school bus drivers.

Staff Training:

• Mandates training for bus drivers and staff on crime, anti-social behaviour, and disability awareness.

Zero-Emission Vehicles:

• Requires the use of zero-emission vehicles for certain larger registered local services in England from a date to be specified (no earlier than January 1, 2030).

Government Spending

The bill doesn't specify direct figures for government spending. However, it could lead to increased spending on grants to bus operators, as well as potential costs associated with implementing new regulations and guidance. Indirect cost savings might occur through the promotion of zero-emission vehicles and increased efficiency.

Groups Affected

• Bus Operators: The bill could significantly impact operators' operations, particularly through franchising schemes, enhanced partnerships, and requirements for zero-emission vehicles. Some operators might face increased costs and reporting requirements, while others may benefit from grants or new contracts.
• Local Authorities: Local authorities will have increased responsibilities in managing bus services, including administering grants, overseeing franchising schemes, implementing new regulations, and potentially creating and enforcing byelaws.
• Passengers: Passengers could experience improved bus services due to increased accessibility, safety measures, and potentially lower fares as a result of cost reductions.
• Employees: Bus drivers and other staff may face new training requirements.
• Environment: The bill aims to improve the environmental impact of bus services through the promotion of zero-emission vehicles.

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