§ Lord Morris of Manchesterasked Her Majesty's Government:
Given the current consultation on the time taken to implement bus service quality contract schemes, what plans they have to consult on the removal of the "practicable" test currently required by Section 124(1)(a) of the Transport Act 2000; and what plans they have to introduce a provision for pilot schemes for quality contract schemes in passenger transport executive areas. [HL2725]
§ Lord Davies of OldhamThe Government have no plans to consult on removing the requirement under the Transport Act 2000 that a quality contract scheme may only be implemented where it represents "the only practicable way" for a local authority to implement its bus strategy.
The Government are taking steps to improve the potential effectiveness of the bus quality contract provisions in the Transport Act 2000. We have consulted on a proposal to reduce the 21-month implementation period. We are currently considering responses. We are also preparing guidance on preparing quality contract schemes.
If a passenger transport executive wishes to introduce a quality contract and believes it meets the criteria, it may apply to do so.