Stephen Fidler, Buses Policy & Community Transport

1 May 2023Moving Britain Ahead1

Buses Policy & Community TransportStephen Fidler

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New Ministerial team

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Passengers come first…

“When I arrived in the department, I gave my team a very simple message.

We put the travelling public first.

Our focus should be constantly on how we improve things for the motorist and the passenger, or for the businesses who depend on our transport system.”

Rt Hon Chris Grayling MP, 13th October 2016

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Wider policy context

• Making Britain a country that works for everyone, not just the privileged few.

• Forging a bold new positive role for Britain in the world.• An economy that works for everyone, unlocking regeneration, growth

and new industrial development.• Industrial strategy – supporting British manufacturing.• Securing the Union.

• People who are “Just About Managing”

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The benefits of “joining up” could be significant

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The benefits of “joining up” could be significant

Separate schedules = 62 miles

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The benefits of “joining up” could be significant

Shared schedules = 53 miles

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The benefits of “joining up” could be significant

• 9 miles• 5 days a week• At least 45 weeks a year• Over 2000 miles saved a year

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It isn’t easy but where there’s a will, there’s a way…

Required:• Leadership buy in• IT investment • HR support

Challenges• Contract/provider issues• TUPE• IT delivery

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… to make a real difference for passengers

The pilots suggest there are benefits from a:

• “One stop shop” for users;

• More consistency in eligibility for services;

• More responsive services – with more vehicles potentially available; and

• Funding savings of 5-10% of the total budget

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The Bus Services Bill has 3 main components

FranchisingPartnershipInformation and ticketing

• Final decisions taken locally

• Accountable and transparent decisions

• No new powers to take assets such as vehicles or land

• New Enhanced Partnership.

• Designed for use across a wide or smaller geography

• Requires support from majority of local operators.

• Powers to mandate open fares, timetable, real time location data

• Accessible on-board information requirements.

• Future-proofed ticketing schemes

The Bill’s provisions don’t generally apply to s19 and s21 permit holdersBut it still creates new opportunities for them.

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Accessible Information Requirement

• Will ultimately require audible and visible information, on-board local bus services in England, Scotland and Wales.

• Covering the route and direction, upcoming stops and diversions.

• Traffic Commissioners responsible for compliance.

• We intend to specify the outcome, not the technology so needs of passengers are met within years, not decades.

• This means operators would be free to choose the method of delivery.

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Next steps on the Bill

• House of Lords approval tomorrow?• Debate in House of Commons next month?• Detailed discussion in Commons until February? • Consultation on guidance and secondary legislation in the New

Year.• “Ping pong” between the Commons and Lords in February or

March?• Royal Assent in February or March?• Guidance and secondary legislation next spring.• Implementation from next summer.

Moving Britain Ahead141 May 2023

DfT Bill Page: https://www.gov.uk/government/ publications/bus-services-bill-overview

Parliament Bill Page:https://services.parliament.uk/bills/2016-17/busservices.html

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