The Bus Services (No 2) Bill has just had its first reading in Parliament. Lord Peter Hendy read the title of the Bill this afternoon, and its Second Reading will be in the New Year. The text of the Bill has been published here, and we will provide a full briefing tomorrow.
The Bill will:
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provide LTAs with a quicker and easier process to franchise buses in their area – LTAs will not be required to franchise
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allow LTAs to set up new municipal bus companies
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amend the current audit process for franchising business cases to extend those able to undertake these.
There are also sections covering Direct Award, devolution of funding and measures to mandate Violence Against Women and Girls and Anti Social Behaviour training for bus drivers. We expect the Bill will be light on detail regarding these points and that the Guidance will provide much of the clarity.
The Bill may be enacted around summer recess 2025, but will keep members up to date with its passage over the next few months.
We will be working closely with DfT officials on the various strands of Guidance required to accompany the legislation to ensure these reflect members views as much as possible.
The Government announcement on the above can be read here, and CPT’s press release can be read here.
Source: CPT