§ Mr. Thurnhamasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will introduce legislation to require all passenger transport undertakings to publish timetables and make copies available to the public; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. David MitchellI do not believe that it would be appropriate to introduce further legislation, since county councils and passenger transport authorities (through passenger transport executives) already have powers under the Transport Act 1985 to publish timetables, and take other steps they consider appropriate to promote the availability of public transport services in their area. It is also in the interests of transport operators to make sure that the public know of the services they are providing.
Mr. Thurhnamasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will introduce legislation to permit him to institute an inquiry into whether a passenger transport undertaking is providing a full and proper passenger transport service; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. David MitchellNo. It is for bus operators in both the public and the private sector to take their own decisions about what services they wish to provide on a commercial basis. In addition to that, local authorities, including passenger transport authorities, have a duty to secure the provision of additional services when they believe that they are in the public interest.