Source · Select Committees · Transport Committee
Recommendation 15
15
Deferred
Absence of national framework for bus stop infrastructure and real-time information
Conclusion
No national framework or clear design standard to improve the overall quality of bus stop infrastructure or real time information currently exists. Poor quality facilities like damaged shelters or seats and missing or inaccurate real time information undermine bus networks by deterring passengers. People without digital access, or whose bus stops are in black spots for mobile coverage, are disproportionately affected. While some local authorities have made commendable progress in improving real time information systems, such initiatives remain the exception rather than the rule. (Conclusion, Paragraph 63)
Government Response Summary
The government did not address the conclusion about the absence of national standards for bus stop infrastructure and real-time information. Instead, it discussed the unaffordability of free travel for under-22s and local approaches to youth concessions.
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government
Deferred
The Government recognises the benefits that free travel for under-22s could bring. However, we are operating in a challenging fiscal environment and the future funding for bus services has already been allocated through the Spending Review, with no funding available for such a scheme. Expanding concessionary travel would therefore be unaffordable within this SR period without diverting funding away from maintaining current bus service levels. As with the model of bus service delivery more widely, we believe local leaders are best placed to decide on the measures which will work best in their local area. This enables local leaders to take a local approach, allowing them to target measures most appropriate for the demographic in their area. We shall continue to liaise with our colleagues at Transport Scotland to better understand the outcomes from their Young Persons’ Free Bus Travel Scheme. We are also aware of several local schemes which currently offer or have offered youth concessions for various age groups, such as those in London, Manchester, South Yorkshire and the West of England, and will seek key learnings from relevant local authorities. We will use this learning to inform our preparations for future Spending Reviews.