§ Mr. DrewTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what advice he offers to local authorities on their subsidy regime for bus services; and what discussions he has had with the Department for Education and Skills on school transport policies. [162826]
§ Mr. McNultyIt is for local authorities to determine their policies and procedures for the subsidy of bus services in their area, within the framework set by the Transport Acts 1985 and 2000. We have however provided a guide to good practice on the procurement of local bus and community transport services, including school transport services. This guide is currently being revised and up-dated.
Ministers and officials of this Department and the Department for Education and Skills have frequent discussions on school transport issues. In September 2003, the two Departments jointly published "Travelling to School: an action plan", setting out measures to reduce car dependency and increase the proportion of children walking, cycling and taking the bus to school. We are working closely together on the implementation of the action plan and-the School Transport Bill.