Identifying objectives and approaches for improving bus services
Relevant General Policies
Section 48 of the 2001 Act defines “relevant general policies” as the LTA’s local transport strategy (or regional strategy in the case of SPT) alongside policies formulated by them from time to time under section 63(2)(b) of the 1985 Act (or section 9A(1) of the Transport Act 1968 in the case of SPT.
Policies under the 1985 and the 1968 Acts are for securing the provision of such public passenger transport services as the council considers appropriate to meet any public transport requirements within their area, as well as defining the descriptions of services they propose to secure under this provision.
Relevant general policies are further considered to be any policies formulated by the LTA in accordance with a local transport strategy (or regional strategy in the case of SPT) including any provision set out for partnership working (previously under QPs and, upon implementation, Bus Services Improvement Partnerships) or QCs (to be replaced by local services franchises).
Robust local transport strategies can better support LTAs in understanding how to grow their bus networks and consider how these can best be integrated with other modes of transport. The review of an LTA’s relevant general policies will also feed into the development of any plans and schemes for a BSIP or inform the development of a franchising framework and franchising assessment.
Before an LTA can decide what actions to take, it is recommended that they consider their relevant general policies and the role that transport, and bus services will play in relation to their aims and objectives.
Their objectives could align with, but need not be limited to, the Scottish Government’s NTS vision and associated four priorities of reducing inequalities, taking climate action, inclusive economic growth, and improving our health and wellbeing. They could also be drafted to address the challenges and opportunities identified and how changes to the provision of local bus services could help address these.
Once an LTA has considered its overall aims and objectives, it can then assess how the range of bus options available to them can help meet these to address the transport challenges and opportunities affecting the area.