HC Deb 04 February 1983 vol 36 cc213-4W
Mr. Booth

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what information he has as to the changes in public transport services that have been made as a result of the introduction of the Norfolk trial area order.

Mr. David Howell

There have been a number of changes to transport services operating in the Norfolk trial area, but it is not possible to isolate the extent to which these have resulted from the designation of the trial area.

Mr. Booth

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what information he has as to the changes in public transport services that have been made as a result of the introduction of the Devon trial area order.

Mr. David Howell

The Devon trial area came into operation on 10 October 1982 and it is too early for it to have resulted in substantial changes to the services within the area. Two new stage carriage services have been introduce by private operators, and I understand that other operators are contemplating the provision of new services.

Mr. Booth

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what information he has as to the changes in public transport services that have been made as a result of the introduction of the Hereford and Worcester trial area order.

Mr. David Howell

In the Hereford and Worcester trial area the county council invited competitive tendering for contracts for individual services or groups of services. Contracts comprising a total of 53 services were awarded to 13 operators. There was competition for 32 services and of these 19 changed hands. The level of bus services has remained reasonably stable. There has been a reduced demand for revenue support and on many of the services lower fares are being charged than previously. The net result has, therefore, been of benefit to travellers in the area and to the ratepayers.

Mr. Booth

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what information he has as to changes in public transport services in Hereford and Worcester arising directly from the changes in transport supplementary grant introduced at the time the trial area came into effect.

Mr. David Howell

I am unaware of any such changes.