Transport bosses welcome promise of bus improvements

Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority (GMPTA) has welcomed news that the government is taking forward legislation to enable local authorities to improve the standard of bus services in their areas.

Her Majesty The Queen announced the government’s plans to introduce a draft Road Transport Bill in her annual speech to Parliament earlier this week. It is understood that the draft bill is likely to be introduced in Spring next year and will boost the bus regulatory powers of local authorities.

It follows on from Transport Secretary Douglas Alexander’s commitment earlier this year to "bring forward proposals to change the way that buses are run in this country…[and] to give local transport authorities real powers to make a real difference".

GMPTA’s Policy Committee has welcomed the chance to engage with the Department for Transport as it drafts the bill.

Chairman of the Policy Committee and Manchester spokesperson for GMPTA, Andrew Fender, said: "We are delighted at the confirmation that parliamentary time is being set aside to address the pressing issue of improving local bus services. The Passenger Transport Authority has consistently lobbied on this issue on behalf of bus passengers for years now.

"Good transport networks are vital to the success of all towns and cities and we need to support Greater Manchester’s superb record of continued economic growth. With congestion on our roads rising it is more important than ever that we attract people onto the bus network by ensuring the right services are on offer.

"It is crucial that the right regulatory framework is introduced for bus services and we look forward to engaging further with the Department for Transport."

GMPTA is calling on the government for greater control over buses via franchising powers to allow it to decide where and when buses run, as well as setting high standards for punctuality and reliability.

The Authority has written to the Transport Secretary outlining this essential requirement which it believes is crucial to delivering better bus services under a revised system.

Date article online: 18/11/2006