Implementing the bus provisions of the Transport (Scotland) Act 2019

Part 3 of the Transport (Scotland) Act 2019 develops and refines the existing regulatory framework for bus services with a range of options designed to give Local Transport Authorities (LTAs) the powers and flexibility they need to improve bus services and reverse the decline in bus usage in their area. 

We asked for your views to help shape the regulations and supporting guidance required to implement the new bus provisions.

The questions covered the areas of partnership working, local services franchising, powers for local transport authorities to run their own buses and improvements to information. 

The consultation resulted in 67 responses (42 from organisations and 25 from individuals). In addition, we received 1,107 campaign-led responses in support of implementing the provisions on Local Transport Authority (LTA) run services and franchising.

A number of key themes were evident across consultation questions as well as across respondent groups. Some of these were outwith the scope of the consultation and were general comments on the models being discussed and, as such, will be more appropriate for LTAs when considering which options to use. 

On Local Authority Bus Services, respondents indicated no desire for additional duties to be imposed on LTAs in how they run services. Instead, respondents made suggestions on supporting information to help implement this provision.

On Bus Service Improvement Partnerships respondents commented on a range of aspects relating to the operation of the model, including processes related to the preparation, variation and revocation of partnership plans and schemes, the partnership voting mechanism, accessibility provisions and the scrutiny of the partnership, among others.

On Local Services Franchising respondents commented on guidance required, information required, and the composition of the independent panel considering the making of the framework.

On the provision of service information when varying and cancelling a registration local authorities expressed a preference for receiving a broader range and greater detail of information whereas operators preferred to mostly continue with current practices relating to information whilst highlighting the need for protection for commercially sensitive information.

An analysis of the responses to the consultation has been published on 11 March and can be accessed at https://www.transport.gov.scot/publication/implementing-part-three-of-the-transport-scotland-act-2019-bus-services-analysis-of-consultation-responses/. The responses to the consultation will inform our ongoing work with relevant stakeholders to progress the development of necessary secondary legislation and guidance.