Written evidence from Sherborne Transport
Action Group (BUS 60)
The following points are submitted for the Committee's
consideration:
— 1. The
ability of a bus operator to alter services at will can create
substantial problems for the Transport Authority which has to
maintain a coherent network. The 56-day notification period does
not allow sufficient time for the Authority to consult users about
the implications. We recommend that, where there is a significant
impact on the service, the notification period should be increased
to at least three months.
— 2. In
rural areas the practicality of a service is more important than
a notional dedication to 'competition'. Operators in these areas
should be encouraged to co-operate in the interests of a better
service. For example, where two operators have garages at opposite
ends of a rural route, they should be permitted to co-operate
so that the first bus of the day starts, and the last bus finishes,
at its home garage. Through-ticketing between operators should
also be actively encouraged.
— 3. The
EU restriction on the length of route is creating dire problems
for rural buses. This restriction should be reviewed.
February 2011
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