Source · Select Committees · Transport Committee
Recommendation 28
28
Accepted in Part
Establish a coherent national framework for alternative transport models to ensure sustainable funding.
Recommendation
Alternative transport models such as DRT and community transport are essential for improving connectivity where conventional services are unviable. This makes them a possible model for sustaining socially necessary services. Their potential is being undermined, however, by fragmented regulation, inconsistent funding streams, and a lack of integration in mainstream transport policy and local planning. The Government should establish a coherent national framework that supports the integration of these models, ensures sustainable funding, and provides consistent guidance for delivery. (Conclusion, Paragraph 110)
Government Response Summary
The government is developing DRT best practice guidance and updating EP/franchising guidance to help local authorities integrate DRT/CT and use existing funding for socially necessary services, with the first version expected later this year. However, it does not commit to establishing a new coherent national framework for sustainable funding.
Government Response
Accepted in Part
HM Government
Accepted in Part
The Government knows that alternative service models, such as demand responsive transport (DRT) and community transport (CT) services, have an important role to play in ensuring communities can access transport services in areas where more traditional, regular stopping services may not be viable. We want to support LTAs to make the best use of these services. That is why we are developing DRT best practice guidance which will provide local authorities with a comprehensive guide to setting up and deploying DRT schemes. The guidance has been developed with support from an advisory group of practitioners with experience of implementing DRT schemes and also draws on learning from the ongoing comprehensive monitoring and evaluation process for the Rural Mobility Fund (RMF) DRT pilots. The first version of the guidance is expected to be available later this year. The Government acknowledges that legislation and guidance covering the various forms of DRT and CT are complex and multi-layered. However, due to this complexity, we do not consider that 18 months would be a realistic timeframe to develop a revised regulatory framework. Such a framework would require primary legislation and any changes would need significant consideration due to the potential for impacts and consequences within the wider bus and CT sectors, as well as for taxis, private hire vehicles, and other sectors. We would need to consider whether this would be the most effective use of resources, rather than supporting local authorities to make better use of the provisions within the existing framework. The Department’s updated EP and franchising guidance will set out how DRT and CT should be considered to ensure that they are integrated into the wider network alongside traditional bus services. This will include guidance on how DRT and CT can be used to deliver or support socially necessary local services and support delivery of local transport plans. LTAs are also encouraged to look across their unringfenced funding to identify opportunities for coordination between different services, such as home to school transport, health and social care transport, and DRT. We will continue to work with the DRT and CT sectors to identify future opportunities for change and keep best practice guidance up-to-date.