Source · Select Committees · Transport Committee
Recommendation 21
21
Accepted in Part
Establish framework for local authorities' early access to operator data for bus franchising
Recommendation
The Department should set out a clear framework to ensure that local transport authorities have early access to operator data on patronage, fares and costs when undertaking a statutory assessment for bus franchising. The framework should include defined timescales for data provision, guidance to enable consistent data gathering and safeguards for commercially sensitive information, enabling informed decisions before commercial risks are taken. (Recommendation, Paragraph 78)
Government Response Summary
The government states that LTAs already have statutory data powers requiring operators to provide necessary data. It commits to setting out a clear framework for data access, including timescales and safeguards, within the next substantive revision of the franchising guidance.
Government Response
Accepted in Part
HM Government
Accepted in Part
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.