Things to consider before you start

Relevant General Policies

Before an LTA decides to proceed with one of the bus options (e.g. a Local Services Franchise, Bus Services Improvement Partnership (BSIP), or running their own services) from the 2001 Act, it should:

• assess the current situation,
• consider what issues are affecting the transport network
• determine their ambitions for the future bus network, and
• identify the opportunities to deliver those improvements.

As part of this work, the LTA should consider what the options are and how these will contribute to the implementation of their relevant general policies, as well as determining how bus services will fit into their aims and objectives.

As noted in our High level overview of the powers available to LTAs, section 48 of the 2001 Act defines “relevant general policies” as the LTA’s local transport strategy (or regional transport strategy in the case of an RTP) 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 an RTP) including any provision set out for Bus Services Improvement Partnerships (BSIP) or 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 consideration 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.

The LTA’s objectives could align with, but need not be limited to, the Scottish Government’s National Transport Strategy (NTS) vision and associated four priorities of reducing inequalities, taking climate action, inclusive economic growth, and improving our health and wellbeing. They could also address the challenges, opportunities identified, and how changes to the provision of local bus services through a local or regional transport strategy that could help address these issues.

This early work should also define the objectives, the options and where possible, the costs, benefits, potential risks, and uncertainties associated with each of the options available to an LTA.

Early engagement with stakeholders

Prior to an LTA undertaking any formal actions required under the 2001 Act, it is expected that the LTA discusses its intentions with key stakeholders, including bus operators and neighbouring LTAs to obtain their views on the LTA’s intentions.

While this engagement may be short of a formal consultation, it will feed into the work to inform the LTA’s assessment and assess the viability of its proposals, including the potential impacts on bus operators and neighbouring authorities who may be considering, or have already implemented, alternative options, such as running their own services, progressing a partnership approach via a BSIP, or a separate franchise.