Bus Services, London

HC Deb 17 May 1993 vol 225 cc1-2W

Mr. John Marshall

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many bus routes in London have been put out to tender; what savings have resulted; and how many of these tenders were won by London Buses.

Mr. Norris

London Transport operates some 650 bus routes in London. Of these, 268 have been competitively tendered, with London Buses winning 132. LT estimates that tendering has produced average costs savings, net of administration costs, of 15 per cent.

Mr. Peter Bottomley

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport who will be responsible for responding to requests from residents' groups on residential estates in London to discuss the introduction of a bus service.

Mr. Norris

London Transport has a general duty under the London Regional Transport Act 1984 to provide or secure the provision of public passenger services for Greater London. It has no statutory obligation to respond to approaches from residents' groups, but such organisations are free to approach LT direct to discuss future bus provision.