pteg has commissioned transport consultant Steer Davies Gleave to undertake a review of the current dynamics of the bus market and to examine the attributes and implications of different regulatory frameworks.
pteg Chair, Kieran Preston, said:
‘In the metropolitan areas outside London the current regulatory framework for buses is not delivering on passenger numbers, quality or social inclusion. This research will help us to get a clearer understanding of the current bus market. It will prepare the way for more detailed work on how franchising could be introduced in a way that both benefits the passenger and delivers a stable and integrated environment in which the industry can flourish.’
‘We envisage new arrangements in which the public and private sectors can develop their relationship with the aim of delivering a high quality public service, whilst ensuring that operators make sufficient profit to maintain investment and develop their businesses.’
‘pteg wants to refresh the debate on where the industry goes next. Specifically we want to provide national decision makers with a clearer picture of what’s happening in the bus market in Britain’s major conurbations and on what the options are for regulatory reform.’
Preston added:
‘Although we are seeking reform of the bus industry we will not let that distract us from getting the best deal that we can for passengers from the existing partnership structure. We will continue to seek opportunities to work with the industry to deliver service improvements wherever we can for the 13 million people served by PTEs.’
