BUS FRANCHISING

Early day motion 460, tabled 29 June 2005 by Graham Stringer (Labour). Signed by 107 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, the high turnover of staff 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 90, Liberal Democrat 15, Conservative 2.