§ Mr. SandersTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what assessment he has made of the extent of shortages of bus drivers; and if he will make a statement; [128447]
(2) if he will make it his policy to offer financial incentives to bus companies facing recruitment difficulties for the training of bus drivers. [128446]
§ Mr. HillMy Department is aware of the difficulties being experienced by bus operators in recruiting and retaining bus drivers in some areas. The bus industry has drawn our attention to this issue, which has also been a matter considered as part of the Department's research on trends in the industry.
The responsibility for ensuring that they have sufficient drivers is primarily a matter for individual bus companies. However, my Department and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency are pursuing with the industry what steps can be taken to assist with the current problems.
In addition, I understand the Department for Education and Employment has provided £145,000 to TRANSfED, the bus industry's National Training Organisation, to identify and address future skills needs.