HL Deb 17 July 1997 vol 581 c125WA
Lord Berkeley

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What qualifications and track record are required by firms tendering for contracts to operate passenger bus services.

Baroness Hayman

The operator of a local authority tendered bus service must hold a Public Service Vehicle Operator's Licence or a Community Bus Permit issued by the Traffic Commissioner, who must be satisfied that the operator is professionally competent and of good repute and has adequate financial resources and facilities for maintaining vehicles.

The authority awarding the contract may, at their discretion, specify other requirements relating to service quality and performance and take into account the bidder's past performance.