§ Mr. SandersTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what powers he has to require bus companies to run services on public holidays; and if he will make a statement. [102178]
§ Mr. HillThe Secretary of State has no such powers. The majority of bus services outside London are operated commercially by private bus operators. Levels of service are partly a matter for operators, subject to the requirement that local bus services must be registered in advance with the Traffic Commissioner; he can take action against any operators who fail to run their services as registered. However, local authorities have the powers to let subsidy contracts for the provision of services which are not being provided commercially (on public holidays or otherwise) but which they judge to be socially necessary.