BUS USER'S POINT OF VIEW

The increase in complaints received by the Bus Appeals Body in the United Kingdom since its inception in 1998 in the face of recent improvements in the quality of bus services indicates that current bus users have high expectations. These expectations (reliable, frequent and quick services, clean, comfortable and accessible buses, and safe and considerate drivers) are discussed in relation to the Transport Bill. The statutory backing to Bus Quality Partnerships is welcomed except that it has focussed resources on specific corridors. This has encouraged a poorer service on other routes, especially where operators experience difficulty in recruiting staff. The need to ensure bus lanes are not shared with other vehicles and to discourage car travel in and out of town centres to improve the use of buses is emphasised. Problems for bus services resulting from the pedestrianisation of town centres are described in relation to whether Bus Quality Partnerships would have the legal standing to prevent this. Integration of buses with other services, regional and joint timetables, and passenger consultation are also considered. For the covering abstract see ITRD E109852.