Source · Select Committees · Transport Committee
Recommendation 20
20
Accepted
Lack of early access to operator data hinders bus franchising decisions
Conclusion
Lack of access to consistent data about current services to support business cases creates an unnecessary barrier to franchising. The Department’s approach puts the cart before the horse: local authorities need access to the full range of relevant information before deciding whether to pursue franchising. (Conclusion, Paragraph 77)
Government Response Summary
The government states that local transport authorities already have statutory data powers, requiring operators to provide necessary data for franchising assessments. It clarifies that this will be further detailed in the next revision of the franchising guidance.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
There are already existing statutory data powers in place for LTAs pursuing franchising. When a franchising authority is preparing a franchising assessment, operators are legally required to provide the necessary data to the authority. Traffic Commissioners also have regulatory powers, including the ability to impose penalties, to ensure compliance with these requirements. In developing the Bus Services (No.2) Bill, the Department determined that, given the potential variability in scale and circumstances depending on the franchising model, the right approach is to address this through franchising guidance rather than in primary legislation. We will therefore set this out clearly in the next substantive revision of the franchising guidance. This approach ensures both clarity for LTAs and flexibility to reflect local circumstances, while making clear the robust legislative and regulatory framework that already applies.