Go-Ahead raises concerns over Bus Services Bill

Passenger transport operator Go-Ahead Group laid out its concerns over the proposed Bus Services Bill on Tuesday, saying it was yet to be convinced that the franchising powers granted to combined authorities will be sufficiently independent.

The bill, which was first published on Monday, is intended to give councils new powers to work with operators to integrate buses into a wider region-focused transport network including rail and other forms of transport, and open up bus data to app developers, according to an official statement from Whitehall.

In a statement on Tuesday, FTSE 250 firm Go-Ahead said it supports the emphasis in the bill on the partnership model, which could “bring about better outcomes for both bus passengers and taxpayers”.

It said its devolved structure facilitates local management accountability and allows the group to tailor its regional bus services to the needs of the customers, and work with local transport authorities to deliver their objectives.

“The bill's new Enhanced Partnerships offer the potential to consolidate the benefits already achieved through the strong alliances Go-Ahead companies have forged with local authorities,” the board’s statement explained.

Go-Ahead did say that it remained to be convinced, however, that new franchising powers granted to combined authorities will deliver better services than the existing system of competition between operators, and partnerships working with local transport authorities.

“As plainly demonstrated by the findings of an independent board on the Quality Contracts Scheme proposals for Tyne and Wear, independent and robust appraisal of proposed transport schemes is essential.

“Measures brought forward in the Bus Services Bill must ensure that the franchise decision-making process is transparent and that any franchise proposals will deliver on customer service, value for money and affordability criteria,” the board said..

Go-Ahead said it will follow the progress of the bill through Parliament, and continue to help inform the debate.

“We remain committed to working with local transport authorities to ensure the best possible deal is achieved for bus passengers.”