THE GOVERNMENT'S VIEWPOINT

This paper comments on various aspects of the UK bus industry, and outlines the relevant role and policies of the Department of Transport (DoT). The bus industry's profitability and investment have been increasing during the last two years. When the market has become more stabilised, operators will be forced to address the issue of quality much more closely, if they are to improve, or even retain, bus ridership and profitability. The DoT is keen to see an increase in the quality of buses, especially in terms of accessibility and emission standards. It has funded trials on the use of low-floor buses, and is introducing stricter emission standards. The Government should encourage and support the development of a joint approach between bus operators and local authorities, for example through the package approach. The bus industry needs to provide comprehensive and reliable information for its passengers. The DoT considers the bus industry's interests carefully when formulating transport policy. It has allocated extensive funds for bus priority measures. It has reconstituted the Bus Working Group, which will consider a wide range of issues and represents operators, local authorities, and users, and will be setting up subgroups. For the covering abstract see IRRD 874487.