Source · Select Committees · Transport Committee
Recommendation 5
5
Acknowledged
Paragraph: 57
The bidding process for BSIP funding has appeared slightly chaotic at times, with periods of...
Recommendation
The bidding process for BSIP funding has appeared slightly chaotic at times, with periods of delay, confusion about the terms of trade and concerns about Departmental capacity. While we understand the short-term impulse to prioritise communication with winning bidders, it makes little sense in the long term if the aim is to improve bus services across the country. It is crucial that the Department gives every assistance to those who have been unsuccessful so next time they can be winners.
Government Response Summary
The Government acknowledged the importance of assisting unsuccessful bidders, and states it is working closely with LTAs and bus operators, with dedicated relationship managers appointed, to monitor and advise on BSIP outcomes through EPs, and help support governance processes.
Paragraph Reference:
57
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
The Government accepts this recommendation. The Government is working closely with Local Transport Authorities (LTAs) and bus operators on Enhanced Partnerships (EPs) and to monitor how well they are working. The EPs record the obligations that LTAs and their bus operators have agreed, through partnership working, to improve bus services in their area, and once these are finalised, the LTA and operators are legally required to deliver those improvements. It is the responsibility of each individual LTA to establish a strong governance mechanism and decision-making body through an Enhanced Partnership Board, supported by an Enhanced Partnership Forum and other groups where appropriate. As part of this structure, the LTA is accountable for applying a suitable monitoring and evaluation process, publishing regular updates against headline targets and proposing and applying variations to their Enhanced Partnership where adjustments are needed. The Department has appointed a dedicated relationship manager to each LTA to monitor and provide bespoke advice on delivery of BSIP outcomes through the EP and help support the governance processes outlined above. Discussions with each LTA and their bus operators and progress made in delivering their BSIP outcomes are also recorded using internal DfT processes. Feedback from some LTAs has indicated that EPs are already providing a strong mechanism for improving engagement with their local bus operators, helping to build a successful and collaborative one-team approach with the ability to deliver key innovations to improve local bus services. We recognise that not every LTA has yet achieved that level