HC Deb 31 October 1988 vol 139 c550W
Mr. Wray

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what organisations representing passengers are regularly consulted by him on matters of bus transport(a) in general and (b) particularly about the quality of services and fare prices after deregulation.

Mr. Portillo

We have consulted the following bodies representing passenger interests from time to time about specific proposals affecting the bus industry:

  • National Association of Public Transport Users
  • National Federation of Bus Users
  • Transport 2000
  • London Regional Passengers Committee
  • Buswatch

Quality of services and fares were not a major subject of these consultations since they are essentially a matter for the operators.

Mr. Wray

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimates he has available as to changes in the level of use of buses since deregulation in(a) Engand, (b) Scotland and (c) Wales.

Mr. Portillo

Between 1985–86 and 1986–87 long established downward trend in bus usage continued with the number of passengers carried on local bus services falling by 8 per cent. in England, 4 per cent. in Scotland and 9 per cent. in Wales.