§ The Earl of Clancartyasked Her Majesty's Government:
By what specific means the travelling public are consulted when London Transport considers 170WA changes or developments which in any way affect the service on either the buses or the Underground. [H L4516]
§ Lord Macdonald of TradestonThis is a matter for London Transport. However, I understand that the position is as follows.
Buses: when any significant changes are proposed to bus services, such as rerouting, renumbering, new services, withdrawals or major revisions to frequencies, London Transport is required, under Section 36 of the Transport Act 1985, to consult local authorities (as elected representatives of local people), the police and the London Regional Passengers' Committee (LRPC). In addition to these statutory consultees, Members of Parliament, Area Health Authorities and Community Health Councils are also consulted.
Underground: London Underground, on a voluntary basis, consults the LRPC and relevant local authorities when proposals are under consideration for significant changes to advertised service frequencies, changes to times of first and last trains (other than minor detailed adjustments), changes to train routing patterns, changes to station opening or closing times (also total distaffing of a station or total closure of a secondary station entrance/exit), and public toilet closures.
§ The Earl of Clancartyasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether there were any specific consultations, either formally or informally, between London Transport and London public passengers over the recent announcement of fare increases on the buses and the Underground; and if so whether they will furnish details of such consultations. [HL4539]
§ Lord Macdonald of TradestonThese are matters for London Transport. But I understand that London Transport (LT) consulted the London Regional Passengers' Committee (LRPC) on the full detail of the new fares. A presentation was given by LT to the LRPC in early August. There were subsequent exchanges of correspondence.