Plans have been proposed to make bus travel in England safer, more efficient and easier to use.
A consultation paper – from the Department of Transport - outlines a range of measures to improve services including a ban on drinking alcohol on buses and a requirement for operators to provide more advanced warning of changes to services.
Also included in the consultation are proposals to allow local authorities to set maximum ticket prices for all, or certain categories, of passengers at a level less than the existing commercial fares.
The proposals are part of the Government’s strategy to increase bus travel in order to tackle congestion and reduce carbon emissions from transport, said junior minister Sadiq Khan.
"Two thirds of all public transport journeys are by bus and passengers deserve a better travelling experience. They shouldn’t have to suffer from drunks or sudden changes to services," he said.
Mr Khan completed a nationwide bus tour, and said he had witnessed both excellence in practice and areas where services need to improve.
"The proposals we are publishing today are a significant step towards making that improvement and ensuring this vital part of our transport system continues to thrive," he said.
Financial penalties could also be imposed on operators who fail to enforce dedicated wheelchair spaces on buses, under the plans.
The Government is also asking for views on how the conduct of drivers and passengers might be improved more generally and how inconsiderate or anti-social behaviour might be tackled.
(PR/GK) |
