DEPARTMENT FOR
TRANSPORT News Release (062) issued by The Government News Network
on 8 April 2008
Ruth Kelly,
Transport Secretary, today announced the creation of the first
official national bus passenger champion to actively represent the
millions of people who use buses in the towns, villages and cities
across England.
Passenger Focus will widen its remit to take on the new role of
bus passenger champion.
The decision follows a public consultation on taking forward the
measures in the Local Transport Bill to give bus passengers an
influential and unified national voice for the first time. The
Local Transport Bill will give local authorities greater powers to
improve bus services, making it easier for them to franchise local
services and work closely in partnership with bus operators.
Ruth Kelly said:
"Passenger Focus already does a great job representing rail
passengers across the country. Now it will also champion the
interests of bus users, making sure their voices are heard and
influencing the way local bus services operate.
"Buses are an essential means of transport for many people,
and are increasingly the transport of choice for many others. Two
thirds of all public transport journeys are now made by bus,
amounting to nearly five billion bus journeys every year.
"This follows the Government doubling its investment in
buses, which now stands at £2.5bn, as well as strengthening the
powers available to help councils improve local buses.
"Along with the creation of a national voice for bus
passengers, these changes will help bus users everywhere get the
service they deserve."
Notes to Editors
1. The consultation "Options for strengthening bus passenger
representation" ran from December 4 to March 17. An analysis
of the Department's response is published today on the DfT
website at http://www.dft.gov.uk/consultations/closed/buspassenger/
2. The Local Transport Bill includes provisions which would
enable the Secretary of State, in secondary legislation, to confer
additional functions relating to buses and coaches on the existing
Rail Passengers Council (Passenger Focus).
3. Passenger Focus will continue to represent rail passengers
throughout Great Britain. It would represent bus users in England,
outside London. London transport users are represented by the
statutory London Travelwatch committee(http://www.londontravelwatch.org.uk).
Scotland has a Public Transport Users Committee and Wales is in
the process of implementing one.
Public Enquiries: 020 7944 8300
Department for Transport
Website: http://www.dft.gov.uk