There are no plans to compel bus operators to consult with members of the public prior to changing a service, the Government has confirmed. The news emerged during a parliamentary written answer by Andrew Jones MP (Conservative, Harrogate & Knaresborough), Parliamentary Under-Secretary at the Department for Transport. Mr Jones stated: “There are no plans to make it a requirement for operators to undertake a public consultation before submitting notice to the Traffic Commissioner.
“The provision of bus services and how to consult with passengers before making any changes to routes lies with individual operators.”
He was responding to a question from Thomas Tugendhat (Conservative, Tonbridge & Malling), who asked: “What plans does the Secretary of State for Transport have to ensure that bus companies undertake a public consultation with passengers before submitting the required 56 days’ notice for route changes to the Traffic Commissioner for Great Britain.”
