Proposed Provision of Bus and Coach Services Legislative Competence Order (LCO)

Response from Neath Port Talbot CVS

Neath Port Talbot CVS welcomes the proposals set out in the LCO relating to the provision of bus and coach services in Wales. It will be essential for changes in powers if any real change in public transport is to be achieved.

1. Neath Port Talbot agrees with the principle that Legislative Competence for 'the provision of bus and coach services’ in Wales should be conferred on the National Assembly for Wales. It is important that additional powers are made available to enable the achievement of a fully integrated public transport system and to re-introduce the public service ethos. Currently there is a lack of influence over, and accountability of, public transport providers.

2. We agree with the wording, however, it may be helpful to indicate what level of service is required as a minimum to ensure that communities are 'well-served’.

3. It would be helpful for the National Assembly forWales to be given competence over regulation of use, driver licensing and public service vehicle operation licensing as part of the toolkit to achieve real change re public transport. There is a danger that if these are not included, it will not be possible to achieve the objective.

4. The bus franchising model appears to work well in London and should be welcomed as a means of achieving a fairer, more effective public transport system for Wales. The removal of competition for viable routes at the expense of less profitable or non-commercial routes is also to be welcomed. This model appears to offer far better value for money and the opportunity for a more equitable service.

5. The use of the proposed LCO to provide theAssembly with the necessary powers to improve school transport safety is also to be welcomed and would help to increase public confidence in school transport and evidence that we value our children and young people by providing them with safe, good quality transport.