Bus services after the spending review

Further written evidence from Arriva UK Bus (BUS 38a)

Voluntary Code of Practice

Arriva readily recognises the need to consult prior to any service change. We will approach both LTAs and any other relevant stakeholders. However, Arriva does not believe a voluntary code of practice is helpful:

· Changes to commercial services differ to changes to contracted services (dictated by the LTA).

· The enormity of the change will dictate different levels of consultation (lead time and extensive discussion); there are different degrees of ‘significant changes’.

· The nature of the local relationship between LTA and operator will inevitably mean different expectations regarding an appropriate process.

For all these reasons, Arriva does not see this as a sensible suggestion.

May 2011