§ Mr. DrewTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will make a statement on what support is available to maintain and enhance rural bus services. [52331]
§ Ms KeebleMy Department provides support for improving and maintaining rural bus services by means of the Rural Bus Subsidy Grant and Rural Bus Challenge schemes. A total of £198 million has been allocated to those two schemes for the period 2001–02 to 2003–04.
In addition, the Countryside Agency supports small-scale rural transport projects, such as community mini-buses, through its Rural Transport Partnership scheme for which £32 million is available for the period 2001–02 to 2003–04.
Local authorities of course can—and do—add to this funding by support from their own resources.
§ Mr. DrewTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will make a statement on the role of the Traffic Commissioners with specific regard to the maintenance and enhancement of bus servies in rural areas. [52332]
§ Ms KeebleThe Traffic Commissioners have no role in the provision of individual bus services. That is entirely a matter for the bus operator, and the relevant local authority if the service is subsidised.
All local bus services must have their particulars registered with the relevant Traffic Commissioner. Operators can face disciplinary action by the Commissioner if they do not operate the service as described in the registration. A new, more flexible penalty power comes into force on 1 May.