New voice for bus passengers as local transport bill gets Royal assent

Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority will be renamed as an Integrated Transport Authority as part of a new Government Act bringing all modes of transport together. The Government believes that the new ITAs will help major urban areas outside London to improve coordination of the road network and public transport.

Bus passengers will have a new champion fighting their corner thanks to the Local Transport Act, Transport Minister Paul Clark confirmed. Royal Assent for the Bill paves the way for Passenger Focus to represent bus users in England, who make more than 4 billion journeys a year.

From April the watchdog, which currently represents rail users, will begin to take on its new role as "bus passenger champion". One of its first tasks will be to conduct a review into how bus passengers' complaints are handled.

Transport Minister Paul Clark, who saw the Bill through its final Parliamentary stages, said: "More than two thirds of journeys made on public transport are by bus, playing a vital role in easing congestion and providing a green alternative to the car. We are committed to encouraging as many people as possible to consider switching to buses.

"The Local Transport Act will ensure services meet the needs of passengers more than ever before, as well as guaranteeing users are properly represented by a new Passenger Champion. I urge local authorities and bus operators alike to work together to maximise services in their area, using the provisions of the Act."

The Act has also been welcomed by Anthony Smith, Passenger Focus chief executive: "Passenger Focus is delighted to be representing bus and coach passengers in England. Combining independent passenger research and focussed advocacy on behalf of passengers will start to drive improvements in bus and coach services.

"Passenger Focus's experience at working on behalf of rail passengers will help England's bus and coach passengers get the best deal."

Government believes the Act will equip local authorities with a comprehensive toolkit aimed at giving them greater scope for working together in partnership with operators to enhance the standard of services in their areas. The Act will also make it a more realistic option for local authorities to introduce quality contracts schemes. These are similar to the system of bus franchising which exists in London and will help ensure networks are designed with the needs of passengers at the forefront.