BUS REREGULATION

Early day motion 608, tabled 27 January 2005 by Graham Stringer (Labour). Signed by 76 members.

That this House recognises the success of the franchised bus network in London, which has improved service quality and resulted in much greater use of services; notes the decline in bus patronage and continuing reductions in socially necessary services since the industry was deregulated outside London; and therefore calls upon the Government to change the current legislative framework in order to make it easier and quicker for local authorities and passenger transport executives outside London to introduce franchising in circumstances where the industry has failed to provide a socially inclusive service and deliver the quality necessary to achieve patronage growth in line with national targets.

Signatures by party: Labour 59, Liberal Democrat 11, Labour/Co-operative 6.