§ 48. Mr. Boothasked the Secretary of State for Transport what collaboration has taken place between local authorities in England and Wales on how the provisions of the Transport Act 1980 can be used to bring bus services to their scattered and isolated areas; and how many such services this has produced.
§ Mr. FowlerI have drawn the attention of local authorities to the new opportunities which the Transport Act 1980 provides for meeting transport needs, especially in rural areas. It is now easier for licences to be obtained for conventional buses, for school buses to be used to carry adult passengers, and for community-based car schemes to be set up. It is for local authorities, operators and voluntary groups to take advantage of these opportunities and to collaborate amongst themselves in order to serve their areas in the best way possible.