Bus Services (No. 2) Bill [HL] 2024-26

2

Clause 4, page 2, line 32, leave out “relation to”

5

Clause 12, page 7, line 30, leave out “relation to”

6

Clause 12, page 7, line 36, leave out “relation to”

10

Clause 24, page 20, leave out lines 6 to 15

11

Clause 24, page 20, line 28, leave out paragraphs (c) and (d)

14

Clause 24, page 21, line 1, leave out subsections (5) and (6)

15

Clause 25, page 22, line 1, leave out subsection (6)

16

Clause 28, page 28, leave out lines 16 to 19

17

Clause 28, page 29, leave out lines 1 to 3

18

Clause 29, page 31, leave out lines 18 to 21

19

Clause 29, page 32, leave out lines 1 to 3

21

Clause 34, page 37, leave out lines 8 to 17

23

Clause 36, page 38, line 24, leave out subsection (2)

24

Clause 36, page 39, line 4, leave out paragraph (a)

32

Clause 42, page 42, line 26, at end insert— "(1A) Section (Use of zero-emission vehicles for local services in Scotland) extends to Scotland only."

33

Clause 43, page 42, line 34, at end insert— "(3A) Section (Use of zero-emission vehicles for local services in Scotland) comes into force – (a) for the purposes of making regulations, on the day on which this Act is passed; (b) for remaining purposes, on such day as the Scottish Ministers may by regulations appoint."

34

Clause 43, page 43, line 2, at end insert - "(4A) The Scottish Ministers may by regulations make transitional or saving provision in connection with the coming into force of section (Use of zero-emission vehicles for local services in Scotland).”"

35

Clause 43, page 43, line 5, at end insert “other”

36

Clause 43, page 43, line 6, at end insert – “(6) For regulations made by the Scottish Ministers under subsection (3A)(b) or (4A), see section 27 of the Interpretation and Legislative Reform (Scotland) Act 2010 (asp 10) (Scottish statutory instruments).”

45

Schedule, page 48, line 34, leave out “relation to”

47

Schedule, page 49, line 38, at end insert— “(ea) a Transport Partnership created underthe Transport (Scotland) Act 2005,”

48

Schedule, page 50, line 36, leave out “relation to”

49

Schedule, page 50, line 37, at end insert— “(zi) a variation of additional facilities identified under section 123A(3)(d) in the scheme; (zii) a variation of the plans for consultation included in the scheme under section 123A(9);”

50

Schedule, page 50, line 39, leave out “relation to”

51

Schedule, page 51, line 2, leave out “relation to”

52

Schedule, page 51, line 4, leave out “relation to”

53

Schedule, page 51, line 10, leave out “12(b)(i),” and insert “12(b)(zii), (i),”

Gov 31

Clause 3, page 2, line 27, leave out "relation to"

NC47

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“English National Concessionary Travel Scheme: Companion Passes</b><br> The Secretary of State must, within 12 months of this Act receiving Royal Assent, bring forward proposals to extend the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme to include Companion Passes for disabled persons who require the assistance of a designated companion in order to use the bus network”

NC48

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Free travel for uniformed police officers</b><br> (1) The holder of a PSV operator’s licence must permit a police officer in uniform to travel without charge on any local service which has one or more stopping places in England.<br> (2) The Secretary of State must, within 12 months of the passing of this Act, make a statement on options for compensating operators of local services for any costs that arise or revenues lost fulfilling the duty under subsection (1).<br> (3) In this section—<br> “local service” has the same meaning as in section 2 of the Transport Act 1985;<br> “police officer” means a member of a police force maintained for a police area in England and Wales or a special constable appointed for such an area; and<br> “PSV operator’s licence” has the same meaning as in section 82 of the Public Passenger Vehicles Act 1981.”

<p>This new clause would permit a police officer in uniform to travel without charge on any local bus service in England.</p>

NC45

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Minimum level of off-peak and nighttime bus services</b><br> (1) It is a requirement for local transport authorities to provide a minimum level of bus services for individuals reliant on off-peak and nighttime transport to local and regional employment centres.<br> (2) The Secretary of State must, within six months of this Act receiving Royal Assent, commission each local authority in England to undertake an audit of the minimum off-peak and nighttime bus services required by those working in key employment centres in their respective areas.<br> (3) For the purposes of the audit specified in subsection (2), local authorities must consult with bus companies, trade unions, employers and members of the public.<br> (4) Where more than one local authority is responsible for the delivery, or funding, of local transport services in their respective localities, the audit specified in subsection (2) must be undertaken as a partnership between the relevant local authorities.<br> (5) Within three months of being commissioned by the Secretary of State to undertake the audit under subsection (2), each local authority, or partnership of local authorities, must publish—<br> (a) the findings of its audit, and<br> (b) proposals for delivering the off-peak and nighttime services identified by the audit as necessary to fulfil the requirements laid out by subsection (1).<br> (6) For the purposes of subsection (2) a key employment centre means a city, a town with either a population above 50,000 people or whose economic output represents more than 10 per cent of that local authority’s economic activity.”

<p>This new clause establishes a legal duty for local authorities to ensure a minimum level of off-peak and nighttime bus services to local employment centres, require the Government to commission local authorities to undertake an audit of local service requirements and produce proposals on providing a minimum level of services.</p>

NC46

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Duty to consider funding for service enhancements</b><br> (1) A local transport authority in England must consider whether, when and how to use appropriate public funding to improve existing local bus services.<br> (2) In exercising the duty under this section, the authority must have regard to—<br> (a) the potential for increased ridership; and<br> (b) the overall sustainability of the network.<br> (3) Service improvements under subsection (1) may include—<br> (a) increasing the frequency of existing services;<br> (b) extending operating hours;<br> (c) improving the reliability of services or their integration with other modes of transport; or<br> (d) extending the routes of local services.”

<p>This new clause would place a duty on local transport authorities to consider using appropriate public funds to improve existing bus services where this would grow ridership or improve the sustainability of the overall network, and sets out specific factors to be taken into account when making such decisions.</p>

66

Clause 14, page 10, line 5, after “services” insert “along with a description of the criteria or methodology used to determine which services are considered socially necessary”

65

Clause 10, page 6, line 35, after “(consultation)” insert—<br> “(a) in paragraph (d), after “users” insert “and prospective users”;

67

Clause 30, page 32, line 26, at end insert—<br> “(d) encouraging and increasing ridership.”

NC39

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Use of bus passes on cross-border journeys (Wales)</b><br> (1) The Secretary of State must, within six months of the passing of this Act, publish guidance for—<br> (a) bus service operators, and<br> (b) bus passengers,<br> <span class="wrapped">on the functioning of bus tickets and passes for passengers travelling between destinations in England via Wales.</span><br> (2) Guidance published under this section must allow for passengers who wish to travel between two destinations in England on journeys which require a change of service in Wales to use tickets or passes purchased in England which cover the journey between the two destinations in England.<br> (3) Before publishing guidance under this section, the Secretary of State must consult with the Welsh Government and any other parties whom the Secretary of State considers it appropriate to consult.”

NC40

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Use of bus passes on cross-border journeys (Scotland)</b><br> (1) The Secretary of State must, within six months of the passing of this Act, publish guidance for—<br> (a) bus service operators, and<br> (b) bus passengers,<br> <span class="wrapped">on the functioning of bus tickets and passes for passengers travelling between destinations in England via Scotland.</span><br> (2) Guidance published under this section must allow for passengers who wish to travel between two destinations in England on journeys which require a change of service in Scotland to use tickets or passes purchased in England which cover the journey between the two destinations in England.<br> (3) Before publishing guidance under this section, the Secretary of State must consult with the Scottish Government and any other parties whom the Secretary of State considers it appropriate to consult.”

NC41

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Driver access to the Confidential Incident Reporting and Analysis System (CIRAS)</b><br> In the Transport Act 2000, after section 144E (inserted by section 28 of this Act) insert—<br> <b>“144F</b> <b>Access to the Confidential Incident Reporting and Analysis System for drivers of PSVs</b><br> (1) Local transport authorities must ensure that service operators provide drivers of a PSV being used under a licence to provide a local bus service with access to the Confidential Incident Reporting and Analysis System (CIRAS).<br> (2) If service operators do not fulfil the requirement under subsection (1) to provide access to CIRAS for drivers, the local authority may revoke the service permit.””

<p>This new clause would ensure that service operators provide drivers with access to CIRAS (the Confidential Incident Reporting and Analysis System).</p>

NC42

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Bus safety performance data</b><br> In the Transport Act 2000, after section 144E (inserted by section 28 of this Act) insert—<br> <b>“144F</b> <b>Bus safety performance data</b><br> (1) Local transport authorities must—<br> (a) publish bus safety performance data online at minimum intervals of every quarter, and<br> (b) annually submit bus safety performance data to an independent auditor for the purposes of the independent auditor assessing the data’s accuracy.<br> (2) The independent auditor carrying out an assessment under subsection (1)(b) must publish a report on the data which must be made available on the local authority’s website.””

<p>This new clause would require local transport authorities to regularly publish data on bus safety performance, and for that data to be assessed for accuracy annually by an independent auditor.</p>

NC43

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Permitted driving time for drivers of PSVs being used under the licence to provide a local service</b><br> In section 96 of the Transport Act 1968 (permitted driving time and periods of duty), at the end of subsection (1) insert “, subject to subsection (1A).<br> (1A) Drivers of public service vehicles (PSV) being used under a licence to provide a local bus service must not on any working day drive a PSV for periods amounting in the aggregate to more than nine hours.””

<p>This new clause would change the permitted driving time for bus drivers from ten hours to nine hours (in aggregate) to align with the permitted driving time for HGV drivers.</p>

NC44

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Concessionary travel for people under the age of 22</b><br> In the Transport Act 2000, after section 150 insert—<br> <b>“150A</b> <b>Free bus travel for people under the age of 22</b><br> (1) All local transport authorities in England must, within twelve months of this Act receiving Royal Assent, establish a concessionary travel scheme to provide free bus travel for persons under the age of 22.<br> (2) The Secretary of State may by regulations set out eligibility, administration and reimbursement arrangements for this duty.””

<p>This new clause would require transport authorities to provide free bus travel for children and young people who are under the age of 22.</p>

58

Clause 1, page 1, line 7, leave out subsections (3) and (4)

60

Clause 14, page 10, line 23, after “activities.” insert—<br> “(16) A service which was abolished in the 15 years before the day on which the Bus Services (No. 2) Act 2025 was passed may also be considered a socially necessary local service for the purposes of this section and section 138C.”

<p>This amendment would mean that previous bus services could be considered as socially necessary local services.</p>

61

Clause 23, page 19, line 3, after “environment,” insert—<br> “(ba) about the operation of concessionary fare schemes by the local transport authority,”

<p>This amendment would include information about concessionary fare schemes in the guidance about the making of grants by local transport authorities issued by the Secretary of State.</p>

59

Clause 28, page 25, line 12, at end insert—<br> “(2A) A local transport authority whose area is in England, or two or more authorities acting jointly, shall have the power to make byelaws prohibiting any person on the bus network from, to the annoyance of any person—<br> (a) singing; or<br> (b) using any instrument, article or equipment for the production or reproduction of sound.<br> (2B) Local transport authorities in England must, within twelve months of this Act receiving Royal Assent, make byelaws in accordance with the powers provided in subsection (2A).<br> (2C) Bus service operators, including those delivering services as part of a franchising, concessionary, or other scheme, must work with local police forces to ensure the effective enforcement of byelaws made under subsections (2A) and (2B).”

64

Clause 30, page 32, line 22, at end insert—<br> “(aa) promoting and facilitating access to toilet facilities for passengers and drivers,”

<p>This amendment would require guidance issued by the Secretary of State under this section to cover the provision of toilet facilities.</p>

62

Clause 37, page 41, line 26, leave out from “after” to “and” in line 27 and insert “1 January 2027,”

<p>This amendment, along with Amendment 63, would mean that operators of local bus services may not use vehicles registered after 1 January 2027 which produce the emissions specified in subsection (3)(c).</p>

63

Clause 37, page 42, leave out lines 1 and 2

NC38

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Use of zero-emission vehicles for local services in Scotland</b><br> (1) The Transport (Scotland) Act 2001 is amended as follows.<br> (2) Before the italic heading preceding section 36 insert—<br> <i class="text-centre">“Zero-emission vehicles</i><br> <b>35B</b> <b>Use of zero-emission vehicles for local services</b><br> (1) The operator of a service that falls within subsection (2) may not use a vehicle that falls within subsection (3) to provide the service in Scotland.<br> (2) A service falls within this subsection if it is a local service which has one or more stopping places in Scotland and which—<br> (a) is registered under section 6 of the 1985 Act, or<br> (b) is not required to be registered under that section because of section 13B(1)(a).<br> (3) A vehicle falls within this subsection if—<br> (a) it is constructed or adapted to carry both seated and standing passengers, with the number of seated passengers being more than 22 (determined in accordance with regulations made under section 26 of the Public Passenger Vehicles Act 1981),<br> (b) it is first registered under the Vehicle Excise and Registration Act 1994 on or after a date specified in regulations made by the Scottish Ministers, and<br> (c) the tailpipe emissions from it include any of the following—<br> (i) carbon dioxide,<br> (ii) carbon monoxide,<br> (iii) hydrocarbon,<br> (iv) nitrogen oxide,<br> (v) particulates.<br> (4) The Scottish Ministers may by regulations—<br> (a) specify descriptions of document that may be relied on in order to determine for the purposes of this section what is included in the tailpipe emissions from a vehicle,<br> (b) specify descriptions of vehicle in relation to which subsection (1) does not apply, and<br> (c) specify local services or descriptions of local service in relation to which subsection (1) does not apply.<br> (5) The date specified under subsection (3)(b) may not be before 1 January 2030.”<br> (3) In section 39(1) (penalties)—<br> (a) omit the “or” at the end of paragraph (c), and<br> (b) after paragraph (c) insert—<br> “(ca) operated a local service in contravention of section 35B(1) of this Act, or”.<br> (4) In section 81(4) (regulations and orders), in paragraph (b), after “35A(1)” insert “, 35B(3)(b)”.”

<p>This new clause would require vehicles first registered after a date to be specified in regulations (which will not be before 1 January 2030) that are used to provide local services in Scotland to be zero-emission vehicles, subject to any exceptions made by regulations.</p>

NC37

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Secretary of State duty to ensure services for certain towns</b><br> (1) The Secretary of State must ensure that every town in England is served by bus services which—<br> (a) operate seven days a week, and<br> (b) serve specified locations.<br> (2) In carrying out the duty under subsection (1), the Secretary of State must consult—<br> (a) the relevant local authorities for the areas to which the duty applies,<br> (b) the integrated care boards for the areas to which the duty applies, and<br> (c) residents, or organisations representing residents, of the areas to which the duty applies for the purposes of determining the specified locations which must be served.”

31

Clause 3, page 2, line 27, leave out “relation to”

<p>This amendment removes words that are unnecessary.</p>

32

Clause 11, page 7, line 25, leave out “relation to”

<p>This amendment removes words that are unnecessary.</p>

33

Clause 11, page 7, line 31, leave out “relation to”

<p>This amendment removes words that are unnecessary.</p>

35

Clause 24, page 20, leave out lines 20 to 29

<p>This amendment and Amendments 36 to 45 remove provision that is no longer needed because of the general data protection override in section 183A of the Data Protection Act 2018, which was inserted by section 106(2) of the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025.</p>

36

Clause 24, page 20, line 42, leave out paragraphs (c) and (d)

<p>See the explanatory statement for Amendment 35.</p>

37

Clause 24, page 21, line 18, leave out subsections (6) and (7)

<p>See the explanatory statement for Amendment 35.</p>

38

Clause 25, page 22, line 17, leave out subsection (6)

<p>See the explanatory statement for Amendment 35.</p>

39

Clause 28, page 28, leave out lines 33 to 36

<p>See the explanatory statement for Amendment 35.</p>

40

Clause 28, page 29, leave out lines 19 to 21

<p>See the explanatory statement for Amendment 35.</p>

41

Clause 29, page 31, leave out lines 31 to 34

<p>See the explanatory statement for Amendment 35.</p>

42

Clause 29, page 32, leave out lines 14 to 16

<p>See the explanatory statement for Amendment 35.</p>

43

Clause 34, page 37, leave out lines 31 to 40

<p>See the explanatory statement for Amendment 35.</p>

44

Clause 36, page 39, line 19, leave out subsection (2)

<p>See the explanatory statement for Amendment 35.</p>

45

Clause 36, page 39, line 40, leave out paragraph (a)

<p>See the explanatory statement for Amendment 35.</p>

46

Clause 39, page 42, line 38, at end insert—<br> “(1A) Section (<i>Use of zero-emission vehicles for local services in Scotland</i>) extends to Scotland only.”

<p>This amendment is consequential on NC38.</p>

47

Clause 40, page 43, line 8, at end insert—<br> “(3A) Section (<i>Use of zero-emission vehicles for local services in Scotland</i>) comes into force—<br> (a) for the purposes of making regulations, on the day on which this Act is passed;<br> (b) for remaining purposes, on such day as the Scottish Ministers may by regulations appoint.”

<p>This amendment is consequential on NC38.</p>

48

Clause 40, page 43, line 13, at end insert—<br> “(4A) The Scottish Ministers may by regulations make transitional or saving provision in connection with the coming into force of section (<i>Use of zero-emission vehicles for local services in Scotland</i>).”

<p>This amendment is consequential on NC38.</p>

49

Clause 40, page 43, line 16, at end insert “other”

<p>This amendment is consequential on Amendment 48.</p>

50

Clause 40, page 43, line 17, at end insert—<br> “(6) For regulations made by the Scottish Ministers under subsection (3A)(b) or (4A), see section 27 of the Interpretation and Legislative Reform (Scotland) Act 2010 (asp 10) (Scottish statutory instruments).”

<p>This amendment is consequential on Amendment 48 and NC38.</p>

34

Schedule, page 44, line 11, leave out “relation to”

<p>This amendment removes words that are unnecessary.</p>

51

Schedule, page 49, line 1, leave out “relation to”

<p>This amendment removes words that are unnecessary.</p>

52

Schedule, page 51, line 8, leave out “relation to”

<p>This amendment removes words that are unnecessary.</p>

53

Schedule, page 51, line 9, at end insert—<br> “(zi) a variation of additional facilities identified under section 123A(3)(d) in the scheme;<br> (zii) a variation of the plans for consultation included in the scheme under section 123A(9);”

<p>This amendment provides for variations of additional facilities identified in a franchising scheme and of plans for consultation included in the scheme to be covered by the variation procedure in Part 3 of new Schedule 9A to the Transport Act 2000.</p>

54

Schedule, page 51, line 11, leave out “relation to”

<p>This amendment removes words that are unnecessary.</p>

55

Schedule, page 51, line 13, leave out “relation to”

<p>This amendment removes words that are unnecessary.</p>

56

Schedule, page 51, line 15, leave out “relation to”

<p>This amendment removes words that are unnecessary.</p>

57

Schedule, page 51, line 21, leave out “12(b)(i),” and insert “12(b)(zii), (i),”

<p>This amendment provides for consultation with the Welsh Ministers, local authorities, relevant organisations and the Passengers’ Council in the case of a variation of plans for consultation included in a franchising scheme.</p>

NC34

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Purpose: improvement of bus passenger services</b><br> (1) The purpose of this Act is to improve the performance, accessibility, and quality of bus passenger services in Great Britain.<br> (2) The Secretary of State must, in taking any actions under the provisions of this Act, have regard to this purpose.”

<p>This new clause would place a duty on the Secretary of State to have regard to the purpose of the Act, namely the improved performance, quality, and accessibility of bus passenger services in Great Britain.</p>

NC35

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Enhanced partnerships: stakeholder forum</b><br> (1) Every local transport authority in England that has formed an enhanced partnership must, within six months of this Act receiving Royal Assent, establish a stakeholder forum to monitor the delivery of the enhanced partnership.<br> (2) The forum established by subsection (1) must meet at least once every three months, and its membership must include trade unions representing bus workers, passenger groups, and local businesses.<br> (3) Where two or more local transport authorities are working together in an enhanced partnership scheme, a single forum should be established to meet the duty set out in subsection (1).”

NC36

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Concessionary travel for 16 and 17 year olds in education or training</b><br> (1) The Transport Act 2000 is amended as follows.<br> (2) After section 150 insert—<br> <b>“150A Free bus travel for 16–17 year olds in education or training</b><br> (1) All local transport authorities in England must, within twelve months of this Act receiving Royal Assent, establish a concessionary travel scheme to provide free bus travel for persons aged 16 or 17 and who are—<br> (a) in full-time education, or<br> (b) undertaking training on a course or programme that has been approved by Skills England.<br> (2) The Secretary of State may by regulations set out eligibility, administration and reimbursement arrangements for this duty.””

25

Clause 10, page 7, line 3, after “fit;” insert—<br> “(db) relevant train operating companies and other public transport operators, for the purposes of ensuring coordination during peak travel times and tourist seasons;”

<p>This amendment would add other transport operators to the list of parties who are to be consulted when making or varying a franchising scheme.</p>

26

Clause 11, page 7, leave out line 10

<p>This amendment would retain the requirement for consultation when varying a franchising scheme.</p>

27

Clause 21, page 16, line 5, after “comfort” insert “;—<br> (d) identify what, if any, provision is made to facilitate access to child and adolescent mental health services and other community-based mental health services not attached to hospitals.”

<p>This amendment would require bus network accessibility plans to consider access to CAMHS and other community-based mental health services.</p>

28

Clause 23, page 18, line 36, at end insert—<br> “(6A) Guidance issued under subsection (6) must require local transport authorities, when making grants to operators, to take into account factors relevant to the provision of services in their area, including but not limited to—<br> (a) the rurality of the area or areas to be served;<br> (b) the age profile of persons in the area or areas to be served;<br> (c) measures of deprivation in the area or areas to be served; and<br> (d) the percentage of persons with disabilities in the area or areas to be served.”

<p>This amendment would require guidance issued by the Secretary of State on the making of grants to bus operators to require authorities to consider factors relating to the demographics of the area or areas to be served when making grants.</p>

29

Clause 23, page 18, line 36, at end insert—<br> “(6A) The guidance must include information on when and how local transport authorities and mayors may give grants for the purposes of replacing or otherwise providing for bus services in rural or isolated areas when a socially necessary local bus service has been withdrawn, including details of what Government support or funding will be available for such purposes.”

30

Clause 37, page 42, line 2, leave out “2030” and insert “2028 in relation to vehicles to be used in areas containing all or part of a National Landscape, or 1 January 2030 in relation to all other vehicles, and the Secretary of State may by regulations provide any—<br> (a) financial remuneration, or<br> (b) specific guidance (or both)<br> <span class="wrapped">that they deem necessary to assist local authorities in meeting the deadlines specified in this section.”</span>

NC32

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Requirement to consult and notify before service review discussions</b><br> (1) A local transport authority or bus operator must not enter into formal discussions regarding the alteration or withdrawal of a local bus service unless—<br> (a) notice has been given to parish and district councils affected by the change or withdrawal, and<br> (b) a period of public consultation has been concluded.<br> (2) The authority or operator must publish, before giving notice and holding the public consultation—<br> (a) the date on which formal discussions regarding changes to the service are proposed to commence,<br> (b) a summary of the reasons why alteration or withdrawal is being considered, and<br> (c) information on participating in the public consultation or submitting representations on or alternatives to the proposed changes.”

<p>This new clause would require local transport authorities and bus operators to notify relevant councils and initiate a public consultation before entering into discussions regarding the alteration or withdrawal of a local bus service.</p>

NC33

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Duty to promote and increase bus usage</b><br> (1) A local transport authority must include in its local transport plan a strategy to promote and increase bus usage in its area.<br> (2) The strategy must—<br> (a) set out specific, measurable objectives for increasing bus ridership,<br> (b) establish 2015 as the year against which progress will be assessed,<br> (c) include measures to encourage modal shift from private vehicles to buses, and<br> (d) explain how the authority will monitor and report progress.”

<p>This new clause would require local transport authorities to include in their transport strategies a specific plan for increasing bus usage, including measurable objectives and assessment against 2015 as a baseline year.</p>

NC28

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Review into floating bus stops</b><br> (1) Within six months of the passing of this Act, the Secretary of State must lay before both Houses of Parliament proposals for the prohibition of new floating bus stops and shared-use bus boarders, which route cycle tracks through and on the pavement, in England.<br> (2) Within a month of the proposals specified in subsection (1) being laid before Parliament, the Secretary of State must make time available in both Houses of Parliament for a vote on the proposals.”

<p>This new clause would require the Secretary of State to review the safety of existing floating bus stops and publish proposals for a ban on new floating bus stops and shared bus boarders within six months of the Act receiving Royal Assent, and to provide time in both Houses of Parliament for a vote debate on the proposals.</p>

NC29

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Review of the provision of bus services to villages in England</b><br> (1) The Secretary of State must, within two years of the day on which this Act is passed, conduct a review of the level of bus services being provided to villages in England.<br> (2) The review under subsection (1) must assess—<br> (a) the change in the level of services to villages since the passing of this Act,<br> (b) the number of villages in England not served by bus services,<br> (c) demographic characteristics of villages in relation to the level of bus services available, and<br> (d) the impact of this Act on the provision of bus services to villages in England.<br> (3) In conducting the review under subsection (1), the Secretary of State must consult relevant stakeholders, including local councils and transport authorities.”

NC30

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Consultation: bus funding formula</b><br> (1) Within six months of the day on which this Act is passed, the Secretary of State must publish a report detailing a proposed bus funding formula for consultation.<br> (2) The report published under subsection (1) must include—<br> (a) the Secretary of State’s rationale for proposing that formula,<br> (b) an evidence-based assessment of the distributional effect of that formula between various transport authorities in England, and<br> (c) any alternative funding formulas that the Secretary of State has considered but chosen not to pursue.”

<p>This new clause requires the Secretary of State to publish a proposed bus funding formula for consultation, including their reasoning, an assessment of its impact on different transport authorities, and details of alternative approaches considered but not adopted.</p>

NC31

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Poor performance of franchising</b><br> (1) The Secretary of State must, within six months of the passing of this Act, lay before Parliament a statement of the Secretary of State’s intentions to take over the management of a service where, due to poor operational or financial management by the franchising authority or franchisees, there has been a persistent failure to deliver a service specified by contract.<br> (2) A statement under subsection (1) must set out—<br> (a) the circumstances under which the Secretary of State would take over the management of a service, and how these circumstances are to be identified;<br> (b) the actions which the Secretary of State may take to redress the failure to deliver the service;<br> (c) the period of time for which the Secretary of State shall continue to manage the service.”

<p>This new clause would require the Secretary of State to produce a statement of when or how the Government would intervene in cases where franchised bus services are persistently failing due to poor operational or financial management.</p>

23

Clause 14, page 11, line 7, at end insert—<br> “(5) The Secretary of State must conduct an assessment of the impact of ending the £2 bus fare cap on passengers’ ability to access socially necessary local services identified in accordance with section 138A of the Transport Act 2000.”

24

Clause 22, page 17, line 3, at end insert—<br> “(4A) In relation to the award of a local service contract by one or more franchising authorities pursuant to a franchising scheme, any contract to be awarded pursuant to that franchising scheme shall not be an exempted contract under the Procurement Act 2023 unless awarded to a local government bus company that is an Exempted Local Government Bus Company and Schedule 2 to the Procurement Act 2023 shall be construed accordingly.<br> (4B) An Exempted Local Government Bus Company is a local government bus company as defined by subsection (5) and which was in business providing local services on 17 December 2024.<br> (4C) In section 3 of the Procurement Act 2023 (public contracts), after subsection (6) insert—<br> “(7) Section 18 of the Bus Services (No. 2) Act 2025 restricts the circumstances in which local service contracts awarded to a local government bus company are to be regarded as exempted contracts.””

<p>This amendment ensures that any contract awarded under a franchising scheme by one or more franchising authorities cannot be exempt from the Procurement Act 2023 unless it is awarded to a local government bus company that meets specific criteria - specifically one that was actively providing local services as of December 17 2024, and aligns with the provisions outlined in section 18(5) of the Act.</p>

NC25

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Franchising authorities: joint forum</b><br> (1) When operating a franchise scheme, the franchising authority must establish a joint forum with operators and trades unions.<br> (2) The purpose of the joint forum is to address bus service staffing and employment issues in the area covered by that franchising authority.”

<p>This new clause would require all local transport authorities that introduce franchising schemes to establish a joint forum with trade unions and operators.</p>

NC26

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Consultation of trade unions</b><br> In section 138F of the Transport Act 2000, after subsection (6)(f) insert—<br> (fa) representatives of relevant trade unions,”

<p>This new clause of the Transport Act 2000 would require local transport authorities to consult trade unions when proposing to make an enhanced partnership plan.</p>

NC27

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“National Bus Forum</b><br> (1) Within six months of the day on which this Act is passed, the Secretary of State must establish a National Bus Forum.<br> (2) The purpose of the National Bus Forum is to address issues affecting the provision of local bus services at industry-wide and strategic level.<br> (3) The membership of the National Bus Forum must include—<br> (a) HM Government,<br> (b) trades unions,<br> (c) bus service operators,<br> (d) local authorities in England, and<br> (e) any other body or persons as the Secretary of State deems necessary.”

<p>This new clause would require the Government to establish a National Bus Forum whose membership includes unions, operators and local government, in line with a recommendation by the Transport Select Committee.</p>

22

Clause 10, page 6, line 38, after “2010)” insert “, or with special educational needs (within the meaning given by section 20 of the Children and Families Act 2014),”

<p>This amendment would require local transport authorities wishing to proceed with a franchising scheme to consult bus users with special educational needs, or groups that represent them.</p>

NC1

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“£2 bus fare scheme</b><br> (1) The Secretary of State must, within 12 months of the passing of this Act, establish a scheme to cap the fare for a single bus journey at £2.<br> (2) Bus operators in England, including private companies, franchisees, and local authorities, may opt into a scheme established under this section.<br> (3) Service operators under this scheme may receive preferential consideration for the allocation of financial grants under section 23 of this Act.<br> (4) The Secretary of State must review the terms of any scheme established under this section every three years.<br> (5) The Secretary of State may amend a scheme established under this section by regulations made by statutory instrument.<br> (6) A statutory instrument under this section may not be made unless a draft has been laid before and approved by a resolution of each House of Parliament.”

<p>This new clause would require the Secretary of State to introduce a scheme to cap bus fares at £2.</p>

NC2

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Extend eligibility for disabled bus passes</b><br> The Secretary of State must remove the time restrictions on the use of concessionary travel passes for disabled people within the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme.”

<p>This new clause would require the Secretary of State to remove time restrictions on the use of disabled concessionary travel passes.</p>

NC3

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Review of impact of bus fares on passenger patronage</b><br> (1) Local transport authorities must conduct a review of the impact of bus fares on passenger patronage of bus services within their areas.<br> (2) Any review must assess—<br> (a) how fare levels influence ridership trends;<br> (b) the social, economic, and environmental outcomes of current fare structures;<br> (c) changes which may improve accessibility and increase patronage; and<br> (d) the potential benefits to bus patronage of the simplification of ticketing systems.<br> (3) A local transport authority must complete its first review under this section no later than six months after the passing of this Act, with subsequent reviews conducted at least once every three years.<br> (4) The results of any review conducted under this section must be made publicly available.<br> (5) In conducting a review under this section, local transport authorities must consult relevant stakeholders, including public transport users, service operators, community representatives, and any other stakeholders the authority deems relevant.”

<p>This new clause would require local transport authorities to conduct regular reviews of the impact of bus fares on passenger patronage of bus services in their areas.</p>

NC4

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Duty to promote bus services</b><br> (1) It is the general duty of any relevant authorities overseeing bus operations to promote bus services in their jurisdiction.<br> (2) In fulfilling this duty, authorities may consider—<br> (a) the potential benefits of making bus services economically competitive with other transport options;<br> (b) measures to enhance the environmental sustainability of bus services, including but not limited to reducing emissions and supporting greener transport alternatives;<br> (c) the broader social, economic, and environmental benefits of increasing bus patronage;<br> (d) the need to reduce road congestion and improve urban mobility;<br> (e) opportunities to contribute to lower air pollution and reduced greenhouse gas emissions;<br> (f) the provision of affordable and accessible transport that promotes social inclusion;<br> (g) the need to improve access to employment, education, health, and other essential services.<br> (3) A relevant authority must publish a report every two years which outlines steps taken to fulfil this duty, including—<br> (a) progress in making bus services economically competitive and environmentally sustainable;<br> (b) the effectiveness of policies and measures aimed at increasing bus patronage;<br> (c) challenges faced in promoting bus services and proposing or implementing solutions; and<br> (d) plans for future improvements in bus services.<br> (4) Relevant authorities may consult with any relevant stakeholders, including transport operators, local businesses, and members of the public, which they deem to be expedient for the purpose of fulfilling the duty outlined in this section.”

<p>This new clause would place a duty on authorities to promote bus services in their areas.</p>

NC5

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Reporting on accessibility of bus services</b><br> (1) Each relevant authority must prepare and publish an annual report assessing the accessibility of bus services within its geographical boundaries.<br> (2) In this section, "relevant authority" includes—<br> (a) a county council in England;<br> (b) a district council in England;<br> (c) a combined authority established under section 103 of the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009;<br> (d) a combined county authority established under section 9(1) of the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023;<br> (e) an integrated transport authority for an integrated transport area in England.<br> (3) When publishing a report under this section, the relevant authority must include a statement indicating whether, in its view, accessibility standards within its geographical boundaries are satisfactory or unsatisfactory.<br> (4) The report must also include—<br> (a) an assessment of areas with inadequate accessibility provisions, identifying specific locations and the reasons for accessibility shortcomings;<br> (b) proposals to improve bus route accessibility, including measures to address shortcomings and timelines for implementation;<br> (c) an evaluation of the effectiveness of previous accessibility improvements, including data on their impact on disabled passengers and other affected groups;<br> (d) a review of any barriers preventing the full implementation of accessibility improvements, with recommendations for addressing these barriers including any additional funding or resources required;<br> (e) evidence of consultation with relevant stakeholders, including organisations representing disabled people, transport providers, and local communities, for the purposes of ensuring that accessibility improvements meet the needs of all passengers.<br> (5) An authority’s first report under subsection (1) must be published within 12 months of the day on which this Act is passed.<br> (6) Relevant authorities must ensure reports under this section are made publicly accessible and that copies are submitted to the Secretary of State.”

<p>This new clause would require relevant authorities to publish annual reports on the accessibility standards of bus services in their geographical boundaries, including statements on whether those standards are satisfactory or unsatisfactory.</p>

NC6

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Public sector equality duty</b><br> In Part 1 of Schedule 19 to the Equality Act 2010 (authorities subject to public sector equality duty), at the appropriate place under the heading “Transport” insert—<br> “A bus company providing services for the carriage of passengers by bus under a public service contract awarded under relevant provisions of the Transport Act 1985 or subsequent legislation.””

<p>This new clause would place bus companies under the public sector equality duty.</p>

NC7

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Young person’s discount scheme</b><br> (1) The Secretary of State must work with bus service operators to introduce a scheme, within 12 months of the passing of this Act, which provides a discount on bus fares for people aged between 19 and 25.<br> (2) Any scheme under this section must provide for a discount amounting to a third of the price of relevant fares.”

<p>This new clause would introduce a discount scheme for young people, providing 19-to 25-year-olds a third off bus fares.</p>

NC8

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Review of impact of VAT changes on demand-responsive bus services</b><br> (1) Within six months of the passing of this Act, the Secretary of State must lay before Parliament a report outlining the impact of the VAT system on the operation and rollout of demand-responsive bus services.<br> (2) A report under subsection (1) must consider—<br> (a) whether the current system of granting a zero-rated VAT exemption to public service vehicles with 10 seats or more while subjecting smaller vehicles to VAT on fares—<br> (i) influences the choice of vehicles used for demand-responsive bus services;<br> (ii) has any other impact on the provision or operation of demand-responsive bus services,<br> (b) the potential for VAT exemptions to facilitate the rollout of demand-responsive bus services.<br> (3) In conducting the review under subsection (1), the Secretary of State must consult relevant stakeholders, including representatives from the intelligent mobility sector, local authorities, bus operators, and public transport users.<br> (4) The report must be accompanied by a statement from the Secretary of State on how the findings of the report will be addressed, including any further steps to support the growth of demand-responsive bus services across the UK.”

<p>This new clause would require the Secretary of State to publish a report on the impact of current VAT rules on the operation and rollout of demand-responsive bus services.</p>

NC9

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Free bus travel for unpaid carers</b><br> The Secretary of State must work with local transport authorities and operators to introduce a scheme, within 12 months of the passing of this Act, which—<br> (a) provides free bus travel to those in receipt of carers allowance, and<br> (b) supports local transport authorities to expand provision for other unpaid carers.”

<p>This new clause would require the Government to introduce a scheme to provide free bus travel for those in receipt of carers allowance and improve bus provision for carers.</p>

NC10

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Review of capacity of Bus Centre of Excellence</b><br> (1) Within six months of the passing of this Act, the Secretary of State must lay before Parliament a report detailing—<br> (a) the capacity of the Bus Centre of Excellence to provide training and support to local transport authorities in establishing and operating franchising schemes under the Act, and<br> (b) additional resourcing required for this purpose.<br> (2) A report under subsection (1) must include, but may not be limited to—<br> (a) an assessment of the current operational capacity, staffing levels, and expertise of the Bus Centre of Excellence;<br> (b) an evaluation of the effectiveness and reach of current training programmes and support services provided to local transport authorities on franchising, and their suitability for authorities able to franchise services under the Act;<br> (c) an identification of specific additional financial, human, and technological resources required by the Bus Centre of Excellence to adequately deliver comprehensive training and ongoing support for all local transport authorities considering or implementing franchising schemes under the Act;<br> (d) an analysis of the impact of current capacity limitations on the pace and quality of franchising scheme development and implementation by local transport authorities.<br> (3) In conducting a review under this section, the Secretary of State must consult relevant stakeholders, including local transport authorities, representatives from the Bus Centre of Excellence, and bus operators.<br> (4) Any report under this section must be accompanied by a statement from the Secretary of State on how the findings of the report will be addressed, including any steps to ensure the Bus Centre of Excellence is adequately resourced for its role in supporting bus franchising.”

<p>This new clause would require the Secretary of State to publish a report which assesses the capacity of the Bus Centre of Excellence to provide training and support to local transport authorities for bus franchising.</p>

NC11

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Review of the impact of funding cuts on bus services</b><br> (1) The Secretary of State must, within six months of the passing of this Act, lay before Parliament a report detailing the impacts of funding cuts to bus services since 2015.<br> (2) A report under subsection (1) must include, but may not be limited to—<br> (a) an assessment of changes in bus service provision, including frequency, coverage, and the extent of route reductions;<br> (b) an evaluation of how funding cuts have affected access to public transport for residents, particularly in rural and low-income areas;<br> (c) an analysis of the impact on passenger patronage and the financial stability of bus operators and local transport authorities;<br> (d) a review of the broader social, economic, and environmental consequences of changes in bus service provision due to funding reductions;<br> (e) recommendations for further actions or policies that may be required to mitigate negative impacts on bus services and ensure their sustainability and accessibility.<br> (3) In conducting the review under subsection (1), the Secretary of State must consult relevant stakeholders, including—<br> (a) local councils and local transport authorities;<br> (b) bus service operators;<br> (c) public transport user groups and community representatives;<br> (d) organisations representing persons with disabilities; and<br> (e) relevant trade unions and professional bodies.<br> (4) Any report must be accompanied by a statement from the Secretary of State on how the findings of the report will be addressed, including any further steps which are to be taken to support bus services and mitigate negative impacts.”

<p>This new clause would require the Secretary of State to conduct a review of the impacts of funding cuts to bus services since 2015.</p>

NC12

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Guidance on the development of franchising schemes</b><br> (1) The Secretary of State must, within 12 months of the passing of this Act, issue guidance for local transport authorities on the development of a franchising scheme.<br> (2) Any guidance produced under this section must include specific information or guidance for local transport authorities in—<br> (a) rural areas;<br> (b) coastal communities; and<br> (c) suburban areas.”

<p>This new clause would require the Secretary of State to produce guidance for local transport authorities on the development of franchising schemes.</p>

NC13

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Power to convene for bus service coordination</b><br> (1) A local transport authority whose area is in England may convene other agencies and public bodies that have transport functions and obligations for the purposes of coordinating bus services within, to, or from its area.<br> (2) The power under subsection (1) includes, but is not limited to, the power to convene NHS trusts and other health bodies for the purposes of coordinating bus services with non-emergency patient transport services.<br> (3) The purpose of convening under this section is to promote the efficient, integrated and accessible provision of bus services across different sectors and to ensure that bus services meet the needs of the communities they serve.<br> (4) In exercising the power under subsection (1), a local transport authority must have regard to any guidance issued by the Secretary of State concerning the coordination of transport services with other public services.<br> (5) Local transport authorities must have regard to any guidance issued by the Secretary of State concerning the exercise of functions under this section.<br> (6) The Secretary of State must publish—<br> (a) any guidance issued under subsection (5), and<br> (b) any variation or revocation of that guidance.”

<p>This new clause would empower local authorities to convene other agencies for the purposes of coordinating bus services.</p>

NC14

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Review of time restrictions on concessionary travel passes</b><br> (1) The Secretary of State must, within twelve months of the passing of this Act, conduct a review of the impact and feasibility of removing time restrictions on the use of concessionary travel passes.<br> (2) A review under this section must include, but may not be limited to—<br> (a) an assessment of current usage patterns of concessionary travel passes and the impact of existing time restrictions on passengers, particularly persons with disabilities and older people;<br> (b) an evaluation of the potential social, economic, and environmental benefits of removing time restrictions on the use of concessionary travel passes, including impacts on access to essential health services, goods and services, and social activities;<br> (c) an analysis of the financial implications for local transport authorities and bus operators of removing time restrictions, and potential funding mechanisms to mitigate any adverse impacts;<br> (d) investigation of passenger volume at different times and regional variation;<br> (e) recommendations for any legislative or policy changes required to implement the removal of time restrictions.<br> (3) In conducting a review under this section, the Secretary of State must consult—<br> (a) local transport authorities;<br> (b) bus operators;<br> (c) bus users and organisations representing people with disabilities and elderly people; and<br> (d) any other persons or organisations whom the Secretary of State considers it appropriate to consult.<br> (4) The Secretary of State must lay a report on the findings of the review before both Houses of Parliament as soon as is practicable after the completion of the review.”

<p>This new clause would require the Secretary of State to conduct a review of the impact of removing time restrictions on the use of concessionary travel passes (such as “Freedom Passes”).</p>

NC15

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Rail bus links scheme: proposals</b><br> (1) The Secretary of State must, within 12 months of the passing of this Act, publish proposals for a scheme to increase bus services to railway stations for communities without existing local rail connections.<br> (2) The Secretary of State must, when publishing their proposals for a scheme under this section, also provide guidance accompanying the scheme on—<br> (a) the departmental funding which will be available for the purposes of the scheme;<br> (b) the qualifying criteria which will be used to assess eligibility for the scheme, which may include, but may not be limited to, insufficiencies in funding, vehicles and equipment, workforce or expertise.”

<p>This new clause would require the Secretary of State to bring forward proposals for a scheme to increase bus services to railway stations for communities without existing connections.</p>

NC16

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Bus pass scheme for persons in post-16 education</b><br> The Secretary of State must work with bus service operators to introduce a scheme, within 12 months of the passing of this Act, which provides a half-price discount on bus fares for persons in post-16 education.”

<p>This new clause would require the Secretary of State to introduce a discount on bus fares for people in post-16 education.</p>

NC17

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Assessment to retrofit floating bus stops</b><br> (1) Within six months of the passing of this Act, the Secretary of State must conduct and publish an assessment of all existing floating bus stops for the purposes of—<br> (a) determining the safety of the bus stops and their compliance with relevant safety and accessibility guidance;<br> (b) identifying any retrofits necessary to ensure that floating bus stops are fully accessible and designed inclusively.<br> (2) An assessment under subsection (1) must include a statement of the Secretary of State’s intentions to retrofit existing floating bus stops in accordance with the findings of the assessment and relevant safety and accessibility standards.<br> (3) Any assessment or retrofit programme under this section must have regard to the need for floating bus stops to allow room for passengers to board and alight directly between the bus and the pavement safely, without accessing a cycle lane.”

<p>This new clause would require the Secretary of State to conduct a review of all existing floating bus stops and their level of safety, and to state the Government’s plans to implement necessary retrofits to ensure they are fully accessible and safe.</p>

NC21

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Fare cap for school-only services</b><br> (1) The Secretary of State must, within six months of the passing of this Act, extend the £3 bus fare cap to school-only services.<br> (2) Where the £3 bus fare cap is subsequently increased or decreased, an equivalent change applies to the cap for school-only services.”

NC22

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Minimum bus service standards: review</b><br> (1) Within six months of the passing of this Act, the Secretary of State must conduct a review into the minimum bus service standards required for communities in England.<br> (2) The review conducted under this section must—<br> (a) take into consideration the different requirements of communities of differing population sizes across England, including rural and urban communities,<br> (b) explore the regulatory powers and funding arrangements that would be required for Local Transport Authorities to implement guaranteed minimum bus services for every community with more than three hundred residents across England.”

NC23

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Equality impact assessment: floating bus stops and shared-use bus boarders</b><br> (1) Within 12 months of this Act receiving Royal Assent, the Secretary of State must undertake a full equality impact assessment of the Act so far as it relates to floating bus stops and shared-use bus boarders.<br> (2) Within a month of the assessment being completed, the Secretary of State must lay the equality impact assessment before both Houses of Parliament.”

<p>This new clause would require the Secretary of State to undertake an equality impact assessment on the Act’s provisions, so far as they relate to floating bus stops and shared-use bus boarders, within 12 months of the Act becoming law.</p>

NC24

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Duty to commission a safety and accessibility review of floating bus stops</b><br> (1) Within a year of this Act receiving Royal Assent, the Secretary of State must commission an independent safety and accessibility review of floating bus stops and shared-use bus boarders, which route cycle tracks through and on the pavement, in England.<br> (2) The review specified in subsection (1) must be undertaken in collaboration with groups representing disabled people in England.”

<p>This new clause would require the Secretary of State to commission an independent review of the safety and accessibility of floating bus stops and shared bus boarders, and for the independent review to be undertaken in collaboration with groups representing disabled people in England.</p>

3

Clause 9, page 6, line 2, at end insert—<br> “(A1) Section 123B of the Transport Act 2000 (assessment of proposed scheme) is amended in accordance with subsections (A2) to (A4).<br> (A2) In subsection (2)(a) omit “and”;<br> (A3) In subsection (2)(b), after “action” insert “, and<br> (c) assess the adequacy of central government funding to support the provision of bus services under the scheme.<br> (2A) The assessment under subsection (2)(c) must include—<br> (a) an evaluation of whether available funding is sufficient to meet the projected costs of the franchising scheme, and<br> (b) an analysis of the funding required to maintain or improve service levels across all affected communities.”<br> (A4) After subsection (6) insert—<br> “(6A) An assessment under this section must be made publicly available and submitted to the Secretary of State.””

<p>This amendment to the Transport Act 2000 would require the Secretary of State to assess the adequacy of central government funding to support the provisions of bus services under franchised schemes.</p>

4

Clause 9, page 6, line 33, at end insert—<br> “(11) The Secretary of State must, no later than three months after the day on which this section comes into force, lay before Parliament regulations specifying the qualifications and criteria required for a person to be considered an "approved person" for the purposes of section 123D of the Transport Act 2000.<br> (12) A statutory instrument containing regulations under subsection (11) may not be made unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before and approved by a resolution of each House of Parliament.”

<p>This is a probing amendment to inquire whether the Secretary of State intends to issue the criteria for the “approved persons” role in the near future. A report from an approved person must occur before a franchised scheme can go ahead.</p>

5

Clause 14, page 10, line 11, at end insert—<br> “(4B) When the list of socially necessary local services required by subsection (3)(ba) is reviewed or amended, the relevant authority or authorities must—<br> (a) assess the overall adequacy of the existing network of local services in their area or combined area in enabling passengers to access essential health settings, education, goods and services, economic opportunities, and social activities;<br> (b) identify any gaps in the provision of socially necessary local services across the network and where existing services are insufficient, absent or cause a material adverse effect on passengers' ability to access those goods, services, opportunities, or activities;<br> (c) describe what further action the authority or authorities intend to take to address any identified gaps including, where appropriate, proposals for new or altered services, with timelines for implementation, and consideration of funding or alternative delivery models.<br> (4C) The authority or authorities must publish any assessment and proposals made under subsection (4B) after consulting—<br> (a) persons operating local services in the area or combined area;<br> (b) users of local services;<br> (c) NHS providers;<br> (d) education providers;<br> (e) local employers and businesses;<br> (f) people with disabilities; and<br> (g) any other persons whom the authority or authorities consider it appropriate to consult.”

<p>This amendment would insert into the Transport Act 2000 a requirement for local transport authorities to review the adequacy of local services when considering changes to the list of socially necessary local services.</p>

2

Clause 14, page 10, line 20, leave out “and” and insert—<br> “(iv) health care services, including, but not limited to, hospitals or GP surgeries, and<br> (v) schools and colleges.”

<p>This amendment would ensure that primary health care services, schools and colleges are considered as “socially necessary local services”.</p>

6

Clause 14, page 11, line 7, at end insert—<br> “(5) The Secretary of State must, within 12 months of the passing of this Act, lay before both Houses of Parliament proposals for a scheme that would guarantee a service for socially necessary services where—<br> (a) no operator has implemented the service for a period of six months, and<br> (b) the local transport authority is unable to run the service.<br> (6) The Secretary of State must, when publishing their proposals for a scheme under this section, also provide guidance on how the scheme would be funded, including the criteria which would be used for assessing qualification for the scheme.<br> (7) Within a month of producing the proposals, the Secretary of State must ensure that time is made available in both Houses of Parliament for a substantive debate on the proposals.”

<p>This amendment would require the Secretary of State to bring forward proposals for a scheme that would guarantee services for routes identified as socially necessary where no operator has implemented the service and the local transport authority does not have the capacity to do so.</p>

7

Clause 14, page 11, line 7, at end insert—<br> “(5) Where a socially necessary route has been identified in accordance with section 138A(15) of the Transport Act 2000, and no alternative operator has implemented the service within a period of six months, the relevant local authority must take reasonable steps to implement a service on the socially necessary route as far as is reasonably practicable.<br> (6) Where a local authority has established a socially necessary service in the absence of alternative operators, the local authority must publish a report on the establishment and operability of the service within six months, which should include, but not be limited to—<br> (a) the scope and nature of the service;<br> (b) the estimated operating costs of the service and any identified funding gaps;<br> (c) the impact of the service on local accessibility and transport needs;<br> (d) a timeline for the operation of the service;<br> (e) where the local authority is unable to meet the financial burdens of operating the service within six months of establishing that service, a statement specifying the extent of the financial shortfall.<br> (7) Where a local authority makes a statement under subsection (6)(e), the new burdens doctrine applies to the provisions of this section and the Secretary of State must consider providing appropriate financial support to the local authority to ensure the service can be delivered.<br> (8) Within six months of the passing of the Bus Services Act 2025, the Secretary of State must publish guidance on what funds will be available for the purposes of subsection (7).<br> (9) A service established under these provisions is a local service operated by a local government bus company as defined by section 22(5).”

<p>This amendment would place a duty on a relevant local authority to implement a socially necessary service should alternative operators fail to do so, with provisions for financial support if needed and the possibility of transferring responsibility to an alternative operator once the service is established.</p>

8

Clause 14, page 11, line 7, at end insert—<br> “(5) The Secretary of State must, at intervals not exceeding six months, lay before Parliament a statement setting out—<br> (a) the number of socially necessary local services in England;<br> (b) the number of socially necessary routes that have their whole service cancelled;<br> (c) the average frequency of buses on socially necessary local services;<br> (d) the average number of days a week that socially necessary local services are in operation;<br> (e) total ridership on socially necessary local services; and<br> (f) the steps the Government is taking to improve the provision and reliability of socially necessary local services, their frequency, and bus ridership.<br> (6) For the purposes of subsection (5), "socially necessary local service" has the same meaning as in section 138A of the Transport Act 2000.<br> (7) Each statement laid under this section must include data covering the six-month period immediately preceding the date of the statement.”

<p>This amendment would require the Secretary of State to provide Parliament with bi-annual statements including information of socially necessary local bus services and steps the Government plans to take to address any identified issues.</p>

NC18

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Bus safety standards: Secretary of State duties</b><br> For the purpose of ensuring the safety of bus services, the Secretary of State must—<br> (a) undertake an annual review of bus safety standards, with any such review involving consultation with relevant trades unions;<br> (b) publish proposals for delivering any reforms to safety standards arising from the review; and<br> (c) ensure that the forum on bus fires and safety standards involving the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency and the Confederation of Passenger Transport includes representation from relevant trades unions.”

NC19

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Review of London and Greater Manchester model of bus franchising</b><br> (1) Within six months of this Act receiving Royal Assent, the Secretary of State must undertake a review of the experience of franchising in London and Greater Manchester.<br> (2) The review mentioned in subsection (1) must include an assessment of the steps taken by the Transport for London and Transport for Greater Manchester to enhance safety standards for passengers and bus drivers, and any other lessons from London and Greater Manchester which may be of benefit to other areas which adopt bus franchising.<br> (3) For the purpose of undertaking this review, the Secretary of State must consult trade unions and representatives of bus drivers.<br> (4) Within a month of the Secretary of State concluding the review specified in this section, a copy of the review must be laid before both Houses of Parliament and time made available for a substantive debate on its findings in the House of Commons and the House of Lords.”

NC20

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Assessment of measures needed to protect staff</b><br> (1) Within six months of this Act receiving Royal Assent, the Secretary of State must conduct, and publish, a review of the adequacy of existing arrangements to protect the health and safety of bus drivers and of staff working at bus stations.<br> (2) In conducting the review, the Secretary of State must consult representatives of bus drivers, trades unions, bus companies, and police forces in England.<br> (3) The review must include an examination of an offence of assaulting a bus worker at work.”

9

Clause 23, page 19, line 13, at end insert—<br> <b>“154B</b> <b>Consideration of operator size in grant allocation</b><br> (1) When exercising powers under section 154A, a local transport authority in England may have regard to the size of the operator when determining the amount of a grant and the conditions which may be attached to it.<br> (2) In particular, local transport authorities may—<br> (a) give priority to small operators for the purposes of ensuring the sustainability and diversity of local transport services,<br> (b) adopt measures to protect small operators from disproportionate financial burdens or competition, and<br> (c) take into account the financial and operational capacity of small operators to meet service demands.<br> (3) When determining what constitutes a small operator, a local transport authority may consider—<br> (a) the size of the operator’s fleet,<br> (b) the number of employees employed by the operator, and<br> (c) the operator’s annual turnover or other financial capacity.”

<p>This amendment would enable local transport authorities to prioritise small transport operators when allocating grants.</p>

10

Clause 28, page 25, line 12, after “nuisance” insert “, including sustained anti-social auditory disturbance”

<p>This amendment would allow local transport authorities to prohibit disruptive anti-social forms of noise such as from telephones through byelaws.</p>

18

Clause 30, page 32, line 19, leave out “may” and insert “must”

<p>This amendment would require the Secretary of State to produce guidance about stopping places.</p>

11

Clause 30, page 32, line 29, at end insert—<br> “(aa) the location, design and maintenance of service information displays at stopping places, including the provision of real time arrival information;”

<p>This amendment would mean that guidance on the accessibility of stopping places can include guidance relating to the provision of information at the stopping place.</p>

12

Clause 30, page 33, line 4, leave out “have regard to” and insert “take reasonable steps to implement”

<p>This amendment would ensure that authorities listed in subsection (6) take reasonable steps to ensure that disability guidance issued by the Secretary of State is implemented.</p>

13

Clause 30, page 33, line 16, at end insert—<br> “(6A) Guidance issued by the Secretary of State under subsection (1) must include provision for the bodies listed in subsection (6) to support the development of training programmes for relevant staff which must address the content of the guidance issued under subsection (1).<br> (6B) Guidance and training provided under this section must also be made available to bus operating companies, who must ensure that relevant staff undertake training programmes aligned with the guidance issued by the Secretary of State.”

<p>This amendment would require relevant bodies to support the development of training programmes for relevant staff which must address the content of disability guidance issued by the Secretary of State.</p>

19

Clause 30, page 33, line 16, at end insert—<br> “(6A) The bodies listed in subsection (6) may depart from such guidance only if—<br> (a) it considers that there are exceptional local circumstances which justify the departure; and<br> (b) it has obtained the written approval of the Secretary of State to the proposed departure.<br> (6B) The bodies listed in subsection (6) must pause the construction of any stopping place designed as a floating bus stop or shared bus stop boarder, and must not proceed with construction, until the Secretary of State has issued guidance under this section relating specifically to the design and use of floating island bus stops and shared bus stop boarders.”

<p>This amendment would ensure that listed bodies would be obliged to follow the guidance except in exceptional circumstances, and would require those bodies to pause construction on new floating bus stops and shared bus-stop boarders until guidance has been published.</p>

20

Clause 31, page 34, line 32, at end insert—<br> “(9) For the purpose of this section, “floating bus stop” is also to be understood as including “shared bus-stop boarders”.”

<p>This amendment would ensure that the guidance addresses both floating bus stops and shared bus boarders.</p>

21

Clause 32, page 34, line 39, at end insert—<br> “(1A) An authority which is subject to a duty under section 30(6) or section 31(7) (duties to have regard to guidance) must maintain a record of the location of floating island bus stops and shared bus stop boarders.<br> (1B) The record required under subsection (1A) must specify the geographic location of each stop; the type of stop (floating bus stop or shared bus stop boarder), and the date on which the stop was installed or modified.”

<p>This amendment would gather data on floating bus stops and shared bus boarders.</p>

14

Clause 34, page 37, line 18, after “2003” insert—<br> “(c) any form of domestic abuse, as defined in the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, beyond offences or behaviour covered by (a) or (b).”

<p>This amendment would ensure that training for bus drivers on identifying crime includes all forms of domestic abuse.</p>

15

Clause 34, page 38, line 16, at end insert—<br> <b>“144H</b> <b>Training for senior management on disability awareness and accessibility</b><br> (1) Relevant parties must ensure that relevant persons in senior management roles undertake training concerning disability awareness and accessibility.<br> (2) The relevant parties are—<br> (a) holders of a PSV operator’s licence;<br> (b) local transport authorities whose areas are in England<br> <span class="wrapped">where those parties are involved in the organisation or provision of local or school bus services.</span><br> (3) The training required under subsection (1) must be designed to enhance the understanding of senior management regarding—<br> (a) the needs and experiences of persons with disabilities when using local bus services;<br> (b) legal obligations relating to accessibility and equality in relation to bus services; and<br> (c) strategies for promoting independent travel, safety, and reasonable comfort for persons with disabilities on local services and at bus facilities.<br> (4) For the purposes of this section, a person is in a "senior management" role if they hold a director-level position or have another senior executive or managerial role in an organisation which provides local or school bus services and has significant responsibility for strategic decision-making, policy development, or operational oversight concerning bus services within the organisation.<br> (5) The training required under subsection (1) must be completed—<br> (a) within six months of appointment to a senior management role and at least once in every five-year period thereafter;<br> (b) in the case of persons who were in relevant senior management roles at the time of the passing of the Bus Services (No. 2) Act 2025, at least once in every five-year period.<br> (6) The Secretary of State may by regulations require holders of PSV operators’ licences and local transport authorities to keep such records relating to their compliance with the requirements of this section as are specified or described in the regulations.<br> (7) The Secretary of State may issue guidance about compliance with the requirements of this section and of any regulations made under it, and the holders of PSV operator’s licences and local transport authorities must have regard to any such guidance.”

<p>This amendment would require relevant senior managers to regularly undertake training on disability awareness and accessibility.</p>

1

Clause 37, page 41, line 33, at end insert—<br> “(3A) A vehicle does not fall within subsection (3) if it previously had the tailpipe emissions listed in subsection (3)(c) but has since been converted to a zero-emission drive train.”

<p>This amendment would qualify buses that have repowered from running on fossil fuels to zero emission technologies to be considered as zero emission vehicles for the purposes of this Bill.</p>

16

Clause 37, page 42, line 2, at end insert—<br> “(6) The provisions of this section apply to any mayoral combined authority in England, where “mayoral combined authority” means an authority established under the Cities and Local Government Devolution Act 2016.”

<p>This amendment would clarify that the provisions of section 151A on zero-emissions vehicles apply to mayoral combined authorities.</p>

17

Clause 37, page 42, line 2, at end insert—<br> “(6) Within six months of the passing of the Bus Services (No. 2) Act 2025, the Secretary of State must lay before Parliament a report detailing how adequately and easily local transport authorities have been, or will be able to, access funding to replace polluting buses with zero-emission buses for the purposes of meeting the requirements of this section.<br> (7) A report under subsection (6) must include, but may not be limited to—<br> (a) an assessment of current funding mechanisms available for the transition to zero-emission buses, including grants, loans, and other financial incentives;<br> (b) an evaluation of the sufficiency of available funding to meet the projected costs and timelines for local transport authorities to achieve a zero-emission fleet by 2035;<br> (c) a review of the barriers and challenges faced by local transport authorities in accessing existing funding, including administrative burdens, eligibility criteria, and capacity constraints;<br> (d) recommendations for improving the adequacy and accessibility of funding to accelerate the replacement of polluting buses with zero-emission buses.<br> (8) In conducting the review under subsection (6), the Secretary of State must consult relevant stakeholders, including local transport authorities, bus operators and manufacturers of zero-emission vehicles.<br> (9) Any report under this section must be accompanied by a statement from the Secretary of State on how the findings of the report will be addressed, including any further steps to ensure sufficient and accessible funding for the transition to zero-emission buses.”

<p>This amendment would require the Secretary of State to publish a report which assesses the adequacy and accessibility of funding available to local transport authorities to transition their bus fleets to zero-emission vehicles. The report must include an evaluation of current funding mechanisms, barriers to access, and recommendations for improvements.</p>

78

Clause 37, page 40, line 30, at end insert—<br> “(3A) A vehicle does not fall within subsection (3) if it previously had the tailpipe emissions listed in subsection (3)(c) but has since been converted to a zero-emission drive train.”

<p>This amendment would qualify buses that have repowered from running on fossil fuels to zero emission technologies to be considered as zero emission vehicles for the purposes of this Bill.</p>

NC48

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Extend eligibility for disabled bus passes</b><br> (1) The Secretary of State must remove the time restrictions on the use of concessionary travel passes for disabled people within the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme.”

<p>This new clause would require the Secretary of State to remove time restrictions on the use of disabled concessionary travel passes.</p>

NC49

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Bus accident investigation branch</b><br> (1) The Secretary of State must establish a Bus Accident Investigation Branch.<br> (2) The Bus Accident Investigation Branch must have the aims of improving the safety of bus travel and preventing bus accidents and incidents.”

NC50

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Consultation of trade unions</b><br> (1) The Transport Act 2000 is amended as follows.<br> (2) In Section 138F, at the end of subsection 6 (f) insert—<br> “(fa) representatives of relevant trade unions,””

NC51

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“National Bus Forum</b><br> (1) Within six months of the day on which this Act is passed, the Secretary of State must establish a National Bus Forum.<br> (2) The purpose of the National Bus Forum is to address issues affecting the provision of local bus services at industry-wide and strategic level.<br> (3) The membership of the National Bus Forum must include—<br> “(a) HM Government,<br> (b) trades unions,<br> (c) bus service operators,<br> (d) local authorities in England, and<br> (e) any other body or persons as the Secretary of State deems necessary.””

NC52

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Fare cap for school-only services</b><br> (1) The Secretary of State must, within six months of the passing of this Act, extend the £3 bus fare cap to school-only services.<br> (2) Where the £3 bus fare cap is subsequently increased or decreased, an equivalent change applies to the cap for school-only services.”

NC53

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Minimum bus service standards: review</b><br> (1) Within six months of the passing of this Act, the Secretary of State must conduct a review into the minimum bus service standards required for communities in England.<br> (2) The review conducted under this section must—<br> (a) take into consideration the different requirements of communities of differing population sizes across England, including rural and urban communities,<br> (b) explore the regulatory powers and funding arrangements that would be required for Local Transport Authorities to implement guaranteed minimum bus services for every community with more than three hundred residents across England.”

76

Clause 33, page 35, line 33, at end insert—<br> <b>“29AA</b> <b>Application of section 29A duty: services in Wales</b><br> (1) Section 29A (duty to check barring information) applies in relation to a school service that takes up or sets down passengers at one or more points in Wales only if regulations made by the Secretary of State so provide.<br> (2) But the regulations may not provide for that section to apply in relation to—<br> (a) a service for the carriage of passengers by road at separate fares—<br> (i) that is provided in fulfilment of a duty imposed on the Welsh Ministers by an Act of Senedd Cymru, or<br> (ii) to the extent that it is provided in Wales under a permit granted by the Welsh Ministers under an Act of Senedd Cymru, or<br> (b) a service that is provided under arrangements made by a body to which the duty in section 15(1) of the Learner Travel (Wales) Measure 2008 applies (duty of local authorities and governing bodies to have regard to guidance given by Welsh Ministers).”

<p>This amendment provides for the duty to check the criminal record certificates of drivers of school bus services which have stops in Wales not to apply until switched on by regulations, and excludes that duty entirely for services for which the Welsh Ministers, Welsh local authorities or governing bodies of schools in Wales are responsible.</p>

77

Clause 34, page 37, line 24, at end insert—<br> <b>“144G</b> <b>Application of training requirement: services in Wales</b><br> (1) Subsections (1) and (2) of section 144F apply in relation to a local service which has one or more stopping places in Wales only if regulations made by the Secretary of State so provide.<br> (2) But the regulations may not provide for those subsections to apply in relation to—<br> (a) a local service that is provided in fulfilment of a duty imposed on the Welsh Ministers by an Act of Senedd Cymru, or<br> (b) a local service to the extent that it is provided in Wales under a permit granted by the Welsh Ministers under an Act of Senedd Cymru.”

<p>This amendment provides for the training requirement in new section 144F of the Transport Act 2000 not to apply to services that have stops in Wales until switched on by regulations, and excludes that requirement entirely for services for which the Welsh Ministers are responsible or which are provided in Wales under a service permit granted by the Welsh Ministers.</p>

75

Clause 34, page 37, line 24, at end insert—<br> <b>“144G</b> <b>Training for senior management on disability awareness and accessibility</b><br> (1) Relevant parties must ensure that relevant persons in senior management roles undertake training concerning disability awareness and accessibility.<br> (2) The relevant parties are—<br> (a) holders of a PSV operator’s licence;<br> (b) local transport authorities whose areas are in England<br> <span class="wrapped">where those parties are involved in the organisation or provision of local or school bus services.</span><br> (3) The training required under subsection (1) must be designed to enhance the understanding of senior management regarding—<br> (a) the needs and experiences of persons with disabilities when using local bus services;<br> (b) legal obligations relating to accessibility and equality in relation to bus services; and<br> (c) strategies for promoting independent travel, safety, and reasonable comfort for persons with disabilities on local services and at bus facilities.<br> (4) For the purposes of this section, a person is in a "senior management" role if they hold a director-level position or have another senior executive or managerial role in an organisation which provides local or school bus services and has significant responsibility for strategic decision-making, policy development,or operational oversight concerning bus services within the organisation.<br> (5) The training required under subsection (1) must be completed—<br> (a) within six months of appointment to a senior management role and at least once in every five year period thereafter;<br> (b) in the case of persons who were in relevant senior management roles at the time of the passing of the Bus Services (No. 2) Act 2025, at least once in every five-year period.<br> (6) The Secretary of State may by regulations require holders of PSV operators’ licences and local transport authorities to keep such records relating to their compliance with the requirements of this section as are specified or described in the regulations.<br> (7) The Secretary of State may issue guidance about compliance with the requirements of this section and of any regulations made under it, and the holders of PSV operator’s licences and local transport authorities must have regard to any such guidance.”

<p>This amendment would require relevant senior managers to regular undertake training on disability awareness and accessibility.</p>

NC40

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Assessment to retrofit floating bus stops</b><br> (1) Within six months of the passing of this Act, the Secretary of State must conduct and publish an assessment of all existing floating bus stops for the purposes of—<br> (a) determining the safety of the bus stops and their compliance with relevant safety and accessibility guidance;<br> (b) identifying any retrofits necessary to ensure that floating bus stops are fully accessible and designed inclusively.<br> (2) An assessment under subsection (1) must include a statement of the Secretary of State’s intentions to retrofit existing floating bus stops in accordance with the findings of the assessment and relevant safety and accessibility standards.<br> (3) Any assessment or retrofit programme under this section must have regard to the need for floating bus stops to allow room for passengers to board and alight directly between the bus and the pavement safely, without accessing a cycle lane.”

<p>This new clause would require the Secretary of State to conduct a review of all existing floating bus stops and their level of safety, and to state the Government’s plans to implement necessary retrofits to ensure they are fully accessible and safe.</p>

NC41

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Rail bus links scheme: proposals</b><br> (1) The Secretary of State must, within 12 months of the passing of this Act, publish proposals for a scheme to increase bus services to railway stations for communities without existing local rail connections.<br> (2) The Secretary of State must, when publishing their proposals for a scheme under this section,also provide guidance accompanying the scheme on—<br> (a) the departmental funding which will be available for the purposes of the scheme;<br> (b) the qualifying criteria which will be used to assess eligibility for the scheme, which may include, but may not be limited to, insufficiencies in funding, vehicles and equipment, workforce or expertise.”

<p>This new clause would require the Secretary of State to bring forward proposals for a scheme to increase bus services to railway stations for communities without existing connections.</p>

NC42

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Permitted driving time for drivers of PSVs being used under the licence to provide a local service</b><br> (1) In the Transport Act 1968, in section 96(1), at end insert “, subject to subsection (1A).<br> (1A) Drivers of public service vehicles (PSV) being used under a licence to provide a local bus service under provisions of the Bus Services (No.2) Act 2025 must not on any working day drive a PSV for periods amounting in the aggregate to no more than 56 hours in any one week and 90 hours in any consecutive weeks.<br> (1B) In meeting the condition of subsection (1A), drivers cannot be subject to any loss of pay.””

<p>This new clause seeks to limit the permitted driving time for bus drivers to no more than 56 hours in any one week and 90 hours in any consecutive weeks.</p>

NC43

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Permitted time on duty for drivers of PSVs being used under the licence to provide a local service</b><br> (1) In The Driver's Hours (Passenger and Goods Vehicles) (Modifications) Order 1971, Article 4(2) is amended as follows—<br> “(1) In the inserted words before paragraph (a), after “Act” insert “, subject to subsection (2A),”.”<br> (2) At the end of the inserted text insert—<br> “(2A) Drivers of public service vehicles (PSV) being used under a licence to provide a local bus service under provisions of the Bus Services (No.2) Act 2025 must not on any working day be on duty to drive a PSV for more than five and a half hours without a break of 45 minutes.””

NC44

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Access to the Confidential Incident Reporting and Analysis System (CIRAS)</b><br> (1) In the Transport Act 2000, after section 144E (inserted by section 21 of this Act) insert—<br> <b>“144F</b> <b>Access to the Confidential Incident Reporting and Analysis System (CIRAS) for drivers of PSVs</b><br> (1) Local authorities must ensure that service operators provide drivers of a PSV being used under a licence to provide a local bus service with access to the Confidential Incident Reporting and Analysis System (CIRAS).<br> (2) If service operators do not fulfil the requirement under subsection (1) to provide access to CIRAS for drivers, the local authority may revoke the service permit.<br> (3) Local authorities must consult with trade unions on health and safety matters which arise from reports to CIRAS.””

<p>This new clause seeks to ensure that service operators provide drivers with access to CIRAS (Confidential Incident Reporting and Analysis System).</p>

NC45

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Bus safety performance data</b><br> (1) In the Transport Act 2000, after section 144E (inserted by section 21 of this Act) insert—<br> <b>“144F</b> <b>Bus safety performance data</b><br> (1) Local authorities must publish bus safety performance data online every quarter at a minimum.<br> (2) Every calendar year, local authorities must submit bus safety performance data to an independent auditor to assess the data’s accuracy.<br> (3) The independent auditor carrying out an assessment under subsection (2) must publish a report on the data which must be made available on the local authority’s website.<br> (4) Local authorities must consult with trade unions on any safety issues detected by this data.<br> (5) Local authorities must make the release of bus safety performance data by operators a requirement of any franchise they enter into.””

<p>This new clause seeks to ensure that local authorities publish bus safety performance data every quarter and that franchises place a requirement on operators to release this data.</p>

NC46

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Poor performance of franchising</b><br> (1) The Secretary of State must, within six months of the passing of this Act, lay before Parliament a statement of the Secretary of State’s intentions to take over the management of a service where, due to poor operational or financial management by the franchising authority or franchisees, there has been a persistent failure to deliver a service specified by contract.<br> (2) A statement under subsection (1) must set out—<br> (a) the circumstances under which the Secretary of State would take over the management of a service, and how these circumstances are to be identified;<br> (b) the actions which the Secretary of State may take to redress the failure to deliver the service;<br> (c) the period of time for which the Secretary of State shall continue to manage the service.”

<p>This new clause would require the Secretary of State to produce a statement of when or how the Government would intervene in cases where franchised bus services are persistently failing due to poor operational or financial management.</p>

NC47

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Prohibition on new floating bus stops and proposals to retrofit existing stops</b><br> (1) No local authority may construct any new floating bus stops after the day on which this Act is passed.<br> (2) The Secretary of State must, within six months of the passing of this Act, review all existing floating bus stops to identify changes that need to be made to adapt such stops in line with fully accessible, inclusive-by-design principles.<br> (3) Following the review, the Secretary of State must lay before Parliament a statement which outlines—<br> (a) the changes which will need to be made to existing floating bus stops;<br> (b) the steps the Secretary of State will take to make the required changes; and<br> (c) the guidance which will be provided to local authorities on how to retrofit existing floating bus stops.”

74

Clause 14, page 10, line 34, at end insert—<br> “(7) The Secretary of State must, within 12 months of the passing of this Act, lay before both Houses of Parliament proposals for a scheme that would guarantee a service for socially necessary services where—<br> (a) no operator has implemented the service for a period of six months, and<br> (b) the local transport authority is unable to run the service.<br> (8) The Secretary of State must, when publishing their proposals for a scheme under this section, also provide guidance on how the scheme would be funded, including the criteria which would be used for assessing qualification for the scheme.<br> (9) Within a month of producing the proposals, the Secretary of State must ensure that time is made available in both Houses of Parliament for a substantive debate on the proposals.”

<p>This amendment would require the Secretary of State to bring forward proposals for a scheme that would guarantee services for routes identified as socially necessary where no operator has implemented the service and the local transport authority does not have the capacity to do so.</p>

65

Clause 30, page 32, line 16, at end insert—<br> “(aa) the location, design and maintenance of service information displays at stopping places, including the provision of real time arrival information;”

<p>This amendment would mean that guidance on the accessibility of stopping places can include guidance relating to the provision of information at the stopping place.</p>

60

Clause 30, page 32, line 30, leave out “have regard to” and insert “take reasonable steps to implement.”

<p>This amendment would ensure that authorities listed in subsection (6) take reasonable steps to ensure that disability guidance issued by the Secretary of State is implemented.</p>

55

Clause 30, page 32, line 42, at end insert—<br> “(6A) Guidance issued by the Secretary of State under subsection (1) must include provision for the bodies listed in subsection (6) to support the development of training programmes for relevant staff which must address the content of the guidance issued under subsection (1).<br> (6B) Guidance and training provided under this section must also be made available to bus operating companies, who must ensure that relevant staff undertake training programmes aligned with the guidance issued by the Secretary of State.”

<p>This amendment would require relevant bodies to support the development of training programmes for relevant staff which must address the content of disability guidance issued by the Secretary of State.</p>

61

Clause 34, page 36, line 35, after “2003” insert—<br> “(c) any form of domestic abuse, as defined in the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, beyond offences or behaviour covered by (a) or (b).”

<p>This amendment woud ensure that training for bus drivers on identifying crime includes all forms of domestic abuse.</p>

52

Clause 34, page 36, line 35, at end insert—<br> “(2A) The training requirement under this section must not include advice, encouragement, direction or expectation that a person should, at any stage, put themselves in danger.”

<p>This amendment seeks to ensure that any training requirements established under this section do not include guidance that would advise, encourage, direct, or imply that individuals should put themselves in danger at any stage.</p>

73

Clause 34, page 36, line 35, at end insert—<br> “(2A) Before preparing training under subsection (2), PSV operators must consult trades unions on the proposed content and implementation of the training.”

69

Clause 34, page 37, line 28, leave out from “or” to “the” and insert “section 144G or of regulations made under those sections,”

58

Clause 37, page 40, line 40, at end insert—<br> “(6) The provisions of this section apply to any mayoral combined authority in England, where “mayoral combined authority” means an authority established under the Cities and Local Government Devolution Act 2016.”

<p>This amendment would clarify that the provisions of section 151A on zero-emissions vehicles apply to mayoral combined authorities.</p>

63

Clause 37, page 40, line 40, at end insert—<br> “(6) Within six months of the passing of the Bus Services (No. 2) Act 2025, the Secretary of State must lay before Parliament a report detailing how adequately and easily local transport authorities have been, or will be able to, access funding to replace polluting buses with zero-emission buses for the purposes of meeting the requirements of this section.<br> (7) A report under subsection (6) must include, but may not be limited to—<br> (a) an assessment of current funding mechanisms available for the transition to zero-emission buses, including grants, loans, and other financial incentives;<br> (b) an evaluation of the sufficiency of available funding to meet the projected costs and timelines for local transport authorities to achieve a zero-emission fleet by 2035;<br> (c) a review of the barriers and challenges faced by local transport authorities in accessing existing funding, including administrative burdens, eligibility criteria, and capacity constraints;<br> (d) recommendations for improving the adequacy and accessibility of funding to accelerate the replacement of polluting buses with zero-emission buses.<br> (8) In conducting the review under subsection (6), the Secretary of State must consult relevant stakeholders, including local transport authorities, bus operators and manufacturers of zero-emission vehicles.<br> (9) Any report under this section must be accompanied by a statement from the Secretary of State on how the findings of the report will be addressed, including any further steps to ensure sufficient and accessible funding for the transition to zero-emission buses.”

<p>This amendment would require the Secretary of State to publish a report which assesses the adequacy and accessibility of funding available to local transport authorities to transition their bus fleets to zero-emission vehicles. The report must include an evaluation of current funding mechanisms, barriers to access, and recommendations for improvements.</p>

71

Clause 38, page 41, line 23, after “England” insert—<br> “(e) the impact, or potential impact, the establishment of Rural Bus Hubs on services to villages.”

<p>This amendment would require a review of bus service provision for villages to include an assessment of the impact of rural bus hubs, if already established, or the impact which establishing them may have on villages.</p>

68

Clause 34, page 37, line 24, at end insert—<br> <b>“144G</b> <b>Training for senior management on disability awareness and accessibility</b><br> (1) Relevant parties must ensure that relevant persons in senior management roles undertake training concerning disability awareness and accessibility.<br> (2) The relevant parties are—<br> (a) holders of a PSV operator’s licence;<br> (b) local transport authorities whose areas are in England.<br> (3) The training required under subsection (1) must be designed to enhance the understanding of senior management regarding—<br> (a) the needs and experiences of persons with disabilities when using local bus services;<br> (b) legal obligations relating to accessibility and equality in public transport; and<br> (c) strategies for promoting independent travel, safety, and reasonable comfort for persons with disabilities on local services and at bus facilities.<br> (4) For the purposes of this section, "senior management" means persons holding director-level positions or other senior executive or managerial roles with significant responsibility for strategic decision-making, policy development, or operational oversight concerning bus services within the organisation.<br> (5) The training required under subsection (1) must be completed—<br> (a) within six months of appointment to a senior management role and at least once in every five year period thereafter;<br> (b) in the case of persons who were in relevant senior management roles at the time of the passing of the Bus Services (No. 2) Act 2025, at least once in every five year period.<br> (6) The Secretary of State may by regulations require holders of PSV operators’ licences and local transport authorities to keep such records relating to their compliance with the requirements of this section as are specified or described in the regulations.<br> (7) The Secretary of State may issue guidance about compliance with the requirements of this section and of any regulations made under it, and the holders of PSV operator’s licences and local transport authorities must have regard to any such guidance.”

<p>This amendment would require relevant senior managers to regular undertake training on disability awareness and accessibility.</p>

46

Clause 7, page 3, line 23, at end insert—<br> “(1A) In subsection (5), omit from “and” to end.”

<p>This amendment seeks to simplify the process for granting service permits by removing the requirement that the proposed service will not have an adverse effect on any local service that is provided under a local service contract in the area to which the scheme relates.</p>

47

Clause 7, page 3, line 26, leave out “may” and insert “must”

48

Clause 7, page 3, line 27, leave out from “there” to end of line 34 and insert “is a benefit to persons making journeys on the proposed service.”

49

Clause 7, page 3, line 36, leave out “may” and insert “must”

50

Clause 7, page 3, line 37, leave out from “that” to “will” and insert “the proposed service has benefits to the economy of the area to which the scheme relates, or to persons living in that area,”

72

Clause 13, page 8, line 7, leave out paragraphs (a) to (c) and insert—<br> “(a) either the contract is a local service contract in relation to a franchising scheme, or<br> (b) the contract is awarded to a local authority bus company.”

66

Clause 14, page 9, line 23, at end insert—<br> “(4B) When the list of socially necessary local services required by subsection (3)(ba) is reviewed or amended, the relevant authority or authorities must—<br> (a) assess the overall adequacy of the existing network of local services in their area or combined area in enabling passengers to access essential health settings, education, goods and services, economic opportunities, and social activities;<br> (b) identify any gaps in the provision of socially necessary local services across the network and where existing services are insufficient, absent or cause a material adverse effect on passengers' ability to access those goods, services, opportunities, or activities;<br> (c) describe what further action the authority or authorities intend to take to address any identified gaps including, where appropriate, proposals for new or altered services, with timelines for implementation, and consideration of funding or alternative delivery models.<br> (4C) The authority or authorities must publish any assessment and proposals made under subsection (4B) after consulting—<br> (a) persons operating local services in the area or combined area;<br> (b) users of local services;<br> (c) NHS providers;<br> (d) education providers;<br> (e) local employers and businesses;<br> (f) people with disabilities; and<br> (g) any other persons whom the authority or authorities consider it appropriate to consult.”

<p>This amendment would insert into the Transport Act 2000 a requirement for local transport authorities to review the adequacy of local services when considering changes to the list of socially necessary local services.</p>

54

Clause 14, page 10, line 26, at end insert—<br> “(4A) Where a socially necessary route has been identified in accordance with section 138A(15) of the Transport Act 2000, and no alternative operator has implemented the service within a period of six months, the relevant local authority must take reasonable steps to implement a service on the socially necessary route as far as is reasonably practicable.<br> (4B) Where a local authority has established a socially necessary service in the absence of alternative operators, the local authority must publish a report on the establishment and operability of the service within six months, which should include, but not be limited to—<br> (a) the scope and nature of the service;<br> (b) the estimated operating costs of the service and any identified funding gaps;<br> (c) the impact of the service on local accessibility and transport needs;<br> (d) a timeline for the operation of the service;<br> (e) where the local authority is unable to meet the financial burdens of operating the service within six months of establishing that service, a statement specifying the extent of the financial shortfall.<br> (4C) Where a local authority makes a statement under subsection (4B)(e), the new burdens doctrine applies to the provisions of this section and the Secretary of State must consider providing appropriate financial support to the local authority to ensure the service can be delivered.<br> (4D) Within six months of the passing of the Bus Services Act 2025, the Secretary of State must publish guidance on what funds will be available for the purposes of subsection (4C).<br> (4E) A service established under these provisions is a local service operated by a local government bus company as defined by section 22(5).”

<p>This amendment would place a duty on a relevant local authority to implement a socially necessary service should alternative operators fail to do so, with provisions for financial support if needed and the possibility of transferring responsibility to an alternative operator once the service is established.</p>

64

Clause 14, page 10, line 34, at end insert—<br> “(7) The Secretary of State must, at intervals not exceeding six months, lay before Parliament a statement setting out—<br> (a) the number of socially necessary local services in England;<br> (b) the number of socially necessary routes that have their whole service cancelled;<br> (c) the average frequency of buses on socially necessary local services;<br> (d) the average number of days a week that socially necessary local services are in operation;<br> (e) total ridership on socially necessary local services; and<br> (f) the steps the Government is taking to improve the provision and reliability of socially necessary local services, their frequency, and bus ridership.<br> (8) For the purposes of subsection (7), "socially necessary local service" has the same meaning as in section 138A of the Transport Act 2000.<br> (9) Each statement laid under this section must include data covering the six-month period immediately preceding the date of the statement.”

<p>This amendment would require the Secretary of State to provide Parliament with a bi-annual statements including information of socially necessary local bus services and steps the Government plans to take to address any identified issues.</p>

51

Clause 22, page 16, line 31, at end insert—<br> “(4A) In relation to the award of a local service contract by one or more franchising authorities pursuant to a franchising scheme, any contract to be awarded pursuant to that franchising scheme shall not be an exempted contract under the Procurement Act 2023 unless awarded to a local government bus company that is an Exempted Local Government Bus Company and Schedule 2 to the Procurement Act 2023 shall be construed accordingly.<br> (4B) An Exempted Local Government Bus Company is a local government bus company as defined by subsection (5) and which was in business providing local services on 17 December 2024.<br> (4C) In section 3 of the Procurement Act 2023 (public contracts), after subsection (6) insert—<br> “(7) Section 18 of the Bus Services (No. 2) Act 2025 restricts the circumstances in which local service contracts awarded to a local government bus company are to be regarded as exempted contracts.””

<p>This amendment ensures that any contract awarded under a franchising scheme by one or more franchising authorities cannot be exempt from the Procurement Act 2023 unless it is awarded to a local government bus company that meets specific criteria - specifically one that was actively providing local services as of December 17 2024, and aligns with the provisions outlined in section 18(5) of the Act.</p>

56

Clause 23, page 18, line 42, at end insert—<br> <b>“154B Consideration of operator size in grant allocation</b><br> (1) When exercising powers under section 154A, a local transport authority in England may have regard to the size of the operator when determining the amount of a grant and the conditions which may be attached to it.<br> (2) In particular, local transport authorities may—<br> (a) give priority to small operators for the purposes of ensuring the sustainability and diversity of local transport services,<br> (b) adopt measures to protect small operators from disproportionate financial burdens or competition, and<br> (c) take into account the financial and operational capacity of small operators to meet service demands.<br> (3) When determining what constitutes a small operator, a local transport authority may consider—<br> (a) the size of the operator’s fleet,<br> (b) the number of employees employed by the operator, and<br> (c) the operator’s annual turnover or other financial capacity.”

<p>This amendment would enable local transport authorities to prioritise small transport operators when allocating grants.</p>

67

Clause 28, page 24, line 37, after “nuisance” insert “, including sustained anti-social auditory disturbance.”

<p>This amendment would allow local transport authorities to prohibit disruptive anti-social forms of noise such as from telephones through byelaws.</p>

NC14

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Franchising statement</b><br> (1) The Transport Act 2000 is amended as follows.<br> (2) In section 123A, after subsection (1) insert—<br> “(1A) The power in subsection (1) cannot be exercised until the franchising authority, or two or more franchising authorities acting jointly, has published a statement, subject to the requirement in subsection (1B), stating—<br> (a) their objectives in making the franchising scheme, and<br> (b) their reasons and evidence for believing that the making of such a scheme is the best option for achieving those objectives.<br> (1B) It is a requirement that a statement in subsection (1A) must be published before the franchising authority complies with the requirements in sections 123B to 123G.””

<p>This new clause seeks to ensure that before initiating the formal franchising process undersections 123B to 123G of the Transport Act 2000, franchising authorities must first publish a statement outlining their objectives, reasons, and supporting evidence for believing that franchising is the best option to achieve their aims.</p>

NC15

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Franchising scheme: restriction</b><br> Where a franchising authority, or two or more franchising authorities acting jointly, prepare an assessment of a proposed franchising scheme under section 123B of the Transport Act 2000 but fail, for any reason, to make and publish a scheme under section 123H of the Transport Act 2000, they must not initiate another franchising assessment for the same area, or a substantially similar area, for a period of five years from the date on which the assessment was prepared.”

<p>This new clause prevents franchising authorities from repeatedly conducting franchising assessments for the same or substantially similar areas within a five-year period if they do not proceed to make and publish a franchising scheme.</p>

NC17

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Consultation: bus funding formula</b><br> (1) Within six months of the day on which this Act is passed, the Secretary of State must publish a report detailing a proposed bus funding formula for consultation.<br> (2) The report published under subsection (1) must include—<br> (a) the Secretary of State’s rationale for proposing that formula,<br> (b) an evidence-based assessment of the distributional effect of that formula between various transport authorities in England, and<br> (c) any alternative funding formulas that the Secretary of State has considered but chosen not to pursue.”

<p>This new clause requires the Secretary of State to publish a proposed bus funding formula for consultation, including their reasoning, an assessment of its impact on different transport authorities, and details of alternative approaches considered but not adopted.</p>

NC18

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Cost of franchising schemes</b><br> (1) Where a local authority owned bus company is providing franchised bus services, the authority or authorities must publish annually—<br> (a) The anticipated cost of the franchise for that year<br> (b) The actual cost of the franchise for that year.<br> (2) Where an authority (or authorities) have transferred the franchise from a privately owned bus company to a local authority owned bus company, the authority (or authorities) must publish—<br> (a) the costs incurred by the franchising authority in transferring the service, including the transfer of undertakings (protection of employment costs); and<br> (b) a breakdown of how those costs are being incurred.<br> (3) The reports required by subsections (1) and (2) must be published in a format that is easily accessible on the website of the relevant authority or authorities.<br> (4) Each local authority which runs a bus company delivering franchised bus services must ensure that time is made available for the reports required by subsections (1) and (2) to be debated at a public meeting of the full council.”

<p>This new clause would require transparency about the costs of franchising local authority owned bus services.</p>

NC19

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“£2 bus fare scheme</b><br> (1) The Secretary of State must, within 12 months of the passing of this Act, establish a scheme to cap the fare for a single bus journey at £2.<br> (2) Bus operators in England, including private companies, franchisees, and local authorities, may opt into a scheme established under this section.<br> (3) Service operators under this scheme may receive preferential consideration for the allocation of financial grants under section 23 of this Act.<br> (4) The Secretary of State must review the terms of any scheme established under this section every three years.<br> (5) The Secretary of State may amend a scheme established under this section by regulations made by statutory instrument.<br> (6) A statutory instrument under this section may not be made unless a draft has been laid before and approved by a resolution of each House of Parliament.”

<p>This new clause would require the Secretary of State to introduce a scheme to cap bus fares at £2.</p>

NC21

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Review of impact of bus fares on passenger patronage</b><br> (1) Local transport authorities must conduct a review of the impact of bus fares on passenger patronage of bus services within their areas.<br> (2) Any review must assess—<br> (a) how fare levels influence ridership trends;<br> (b) the social, economic, and environmental outcomes of current fare structures;<br> (c) changes which may improve accessibility and increase patronage; and<br> (d) the potential benefits to bus patronage of the simplification of ticketing systems.<br> (3) A local transport authority must complete its first review under this section no later than six months after the passing of this Act, with subsequent reviews conducted at least once every three years.<br> (4) The results of any review conducted under this section must be publicly available.<br> (5) In conducting a review under this section, local transport authorities must consult relevant stakeholders, including public transport users, service operators, and community representatives, and any other stakeholders the authority deems relevant.”

<p>This new clause would require local transport authorities to conduct regular reviews of the impact of bus fares on passenger patronage of bus services in their areas.</p>

NC22

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Duty to promote bus services</b><br> (1) It is the general duty of any relevant authorities overseeing bus operations to promote bus services in their jurisdiction.<br> (2) In fulfilling this duty, authorities may consider—<br> (a) the potential benefits of making bus services economically competitive with other transport options;<br> (b) measures to enhance the environmental sustainability of bus services, including but not limited to reducing emissions and supporting greener transport alternatives;<br> (c) the broader social, economic, and environmental benefits of increasing bus patronage;<br> (d) the need to reduce road congestion and improve urban mobility;<br> (e) opportunities to contribute to lower air pollution and reduced greenhouse gas emissions;<br> (f) the provision of affordable and accessible transport that promotes social inclusion;<br> (g) the need to improve access to employment, education, health, and other essential services.<br> (3) A relevant authority must publish a report every two years which outlines steps taken to fulfil this duty, including—<br> (a) progress in making bus services economically competitive and environmentally sustainable;<br> (b) the effectiveness of policies and measures aimed at increasing bus patronage;<br> (c) challenges faced in promoting bus services and proposing or implementing solutions; and<br> (d) plans for future improvements in bus services.<br> (4) Relevant authorities may consult with any relevant stakeholders, including transport operators, local businesses, and members of the public, which they deem to be expedient for the purpose of fulfilling the duty outlined in this section.”

<p>This new clause would place a duty on authorities to promote bus services in their areas.</p>

NC23

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Reporting on accessibility of bus services</b><br> (1) Each relevant authority must prepare and publish an annual report assessing the accessibility of bus services within its geographical boundaries.<br> (2) In this section, "relevant authority" includes—<br> (a) a county council in England;<br> (b) a district council in England;<br> (c) a combined authority established under section 103 of the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009;<br> (d) a combined county authority established under section 9(1) of the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023;<br> (e) an integrated transport authority for an integrated transport area in England.<br> (3) When publishing a report under this section, the relevant authority must include a statement indicating whether, in its view, accessibility standards within its geographical boundaries are satisfactory or unsatisfactory.<br> (4) The report must also include—<br> (a) an assessment of areas with inadequate accessibility provisions, identifying specific locations and the reasons for accessibility shortcomings;<br> (b) proposals to improve bus route accessibility, including measures to address shortcomings and timelines for implementation;<br> (c) an evaluation of the effectiveness of previous accessibility improvements, including data on their impact on disabled passengers and other affected groups;<br> (d) a review of any barriers preventing the full implementation of accessibility improvements, with recommendations for addressing these barriers including any additional funding or resources required;<br> (e) evidence of consultation with relevant stakeholders, including organisations representing disabled people, transport providers, and local communities, for the purposes of ensuring that accessibility improvements meet the needs of all passengers.<br> (5)   An authority’s first report under subsection (1) must be published within 12 months of the day on which this Act is passed.<br> (6) Relevant authorities must ensure reports under this section are made publicly accessible and that copies are submitted to the Secretary of State.”

<p>This new clause would require relevant authorities to publish annual reports on the accessibility standards of bus services in their geographical boundaries, including statements on whether those standards are satisfactory or unsatisfactory.</p>

NC24

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Public sector equality duty</b><br> In Part 1 of Schedule 19 to the Equality Act 2010 (authorities subject to public sector equality duty), at the appropriate place under the heading “Transport” insert—<br> “A bus company providing services for the carriage of passengers by bus under a public service contract awarded under relevant provisions of the Transport Act 1985 or subsequent legislation.”

<p>This new clause would place bus companies under the public sector equality duty.</p>

NC25

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Young person’s discount scheme</b><br> (1) The Secretary of State must work with bus service operators to introduce a scheme, within 12 months of the passing of this Act, which provides a discount on bus fares for people aged between 19 and 25.<br> (2) Any scheme under this section must provide for a discount amounting to a third of the price of relevant fares.”

<p>This new clause would introduce a discount scheme for young people, providing 19- to 25-year-olds a third off bus fares.</p>

NC26

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Review of impact of VAT changes on demand-responsive bus services</b><br> (1) Within six months of the passing of this Act, the Secretary of State must lay before Parliament a report outlining the impact of the VAT system on the operation and rollout of demand-responsive bus services.<br> (2) A report under subsection (1) must consider—<br> (a) whether the current system of granting a zero-rated VAT exemption to public service vehicles with 10 seats or more while subjecting smaller vehicles to VAT on fares—<br> (i) influences the choice of vehicles used for demand-responsive bus services;<br> (ii) has any other impact on the provision or operation of demand-responsive bus services;<br> (b) the potential for VAT exemptions to facilitate the rollout of demand-responsive bus services.<br> (3) In conducting the review under subsection (1), the Secretary of State must consult relevant stakeholders, including representatives from the intelligent mobility sector, local authorities, bus operators, and public transport users.<br> (4) The report must be accompanied by a statement from the Secretary of State on how the findings of the report will be addressed, including any further steps to support the growth of Demand Responsive Transport across the UK.”

<p>This new clause would require the Secretary of State to publish a report on the impact of current VAT rules on the operation and rollout of demand-responsive bus services.</p>

NC27

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Free bus travel for unpaid carers</b><br> (1) The Secretary of State must work with local transport authorities and operators to introduce a scheme, within 12 months of the passing of this Act, which—<br> (a) provides free bus travel to those in receipt of carer’s allowance, and<br> (b) supports local transport authorities to expand provision for other unpaid carers.”

<p>This new clause would require the Government to introduce a scheme to provide free bus travel for those in receipt of carer’s allowance and improve bus provision for carers.</p>

NC28

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Review of capacity of Bus Centre of Excellence</b><br> (1) Within six months of the passing of this Act, the Secretary of State must lay before Parliament a report detailing—<br> (a) the capacity of the Bus Centre of Excellence to provide training and support to local transport authorities in establishing and operating franchising schemes under the Act, and<br> (b) additional resourcing required for this purpose.<br> (2) A report under subsection (1) must include, but may not be limited to—<br> (a) an assessment of the current operational capacity, staffing levels, and expertise of the Bus Centre of Excellence;<br> (b) an evaluation of the effectiveness and reach of current training programmes and support services provided to local transport authorities on franchising, and their suitability for authorities able to franchise services under the Act;<br> (c) an identification of specific additional financial, human, and technological resources required by the Bus Centre of Excellence to adequately deliver comprehensive training and ongoing support for all local transport authorities considering or implementing franchising schemes under the Act;<br> (d) an analysis of the impact of current capacity limitations on the pace and quality of franchising scheme development and implementation by local transport authorities.<br> (3) In conducting a review under this section, the Secretary of State must consult relevant stakeholders, including local transport authorities, representatives from the Bus Centre of Excellence, and bus operators.<br> (4) Any report under this section must be accompanied by a statement from the Secretary of State on how the findings of the report will be addressed, including any steps to ensure the Bus Centre of Excellence is adequately resourced for its role in supporting bus franchising.”

<p>This new clause would require the Secretary of State to publish a report which assesses the capacity of the Bus Centre of Excellence to provide training and support to local transport authorities for bus franchising.</p>

NC29

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Review of the impact of funding cuts on bus services</b><br> (1) The Secretary of State must, within six months of the passing of this Act, lay before Parliament a report detailing the impacts of funding cuts to bus services since 2015.<br> (2) A report under subsection (1) must include, but may not be limited to—<br> (a) an assessment of changes in bus service provision, including frequency, coverage, and the extent of route reductions;<br> (b) an evaluation of how funding cuts have affected access to public transport for residents, particularly in rural and low-income areas;<br> (c) an analysis of the impact on passenger patronage and the financial stability of bus operators and local transport authorities;<br> (d) a review of the broader social, economic, and environmental consequences of changes in bus service provision due to funding reductions;<br> (e) recommendations for further actions or policies that may be required to mitigate negative impacts on bus services and ensure their sustainability and accessibility.<br> (3) In conducting the review under subsection (1), the Secretary of State must consult relevant stakeholders, including—<br> (a) local councils and local transport authorities;<br> (b) bus service operators;<br> (c) public transport user groups and community representatives;<br> (d) organisations representing persons with disabilities; and<br> (e) relevant trade unions and professional bodies.<br> (4) Any report must be accompanied by a statement from the Secretary of State on how the findings of the report will be addressed, including any further steps which are to be taken to support bus services and mitigate negative impacts.”

<p>This new clause would require the Secretary of State to conduct a review of the impacts of funding cuts to bus services since 2015.</p>

NC30

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Guidance on the development of franchising schemes</b><br> (1) The Secretary of State must, within 12 months of the passing of this Act, issue guidance for local transport authorities on the development of a franchising scheme.<br> (2) Any guidance produced under this section must include specific information or guidance for local transport authorities in—<br> (a) rural areas;<br> (b) coastal communities; and<br> (c) suburban areas.”

<p>This new clause would require the Secretary of State to produce guidance for local transport authorities on the development of franchising schemes.</p>

NC31

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Power to convene for bus service coordination</b><br> (1) A local transport authority whose area is in England may convene other agencies and public bodies that have transport functions and obligations for the purposes of coordinating bus services within, to, or from its area.<br> (2) The power under subsection (1) includes, but is not limited to, the power to convene NHS trusts and other health bodies for the purposes of coordinating bus services with non-emergency patient transport services.<br> (3) The purpose of convening under this section is to promote the efficient, integrated and accessible provision of bus services across different sectors and to ensure that bus services meet the needs of the communities they serve.<br> (4) In exercising the power under subsection (1), a local transport authority must have regard to any guidance issued by the Secretary of State concerning the coordination of transport services with other public services.<br> (5) Local transport authorities must have regard to any guidance issued by the Secretary of State concerning the exercise of functions under this section.<br> (6) The Secretary of State must publish—<br> (a) any guidance issued under subsection (5), and<br> (b) any variation or revocation of that guidance.”

<p>This new clause would empower local authorities to convene other agencies for the purposes of coordinating bus services.</p>

NC32

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Review of time restrictions on concessionary travel passes</b><br> (1) The Secretary of State must, within twelve months of the passing of this Act, conduct a review of the impact and feasibility of removing time restrictions on the use of concessionary travel passes.<br> (2) A review under this section must include, but may not be limited to—<br> (a) an assessment of current usage patterns of concessionary travel passes and the impact of existing time restrictions on passengers, particularly persons with disabilities and older people;<br> (b) an evaluation of the potential social, economic, and environmental benefits of removing time restrictions on the use of concessionary travel passes, including impacts on access to essential health services, goods and services, and social activities;<br> (c) an analysis of the financial implications for local transport authorities and bus operators of removing time restrictions, and potential funding mechanisms to mitigate any adverse impacts;<br> (d) investigation of passenger volume at different times and regional variation;<br> (e) recommendations for any legislative or policy changes required to implement the removal of time restrictions.<br> (3) In conducting a review under this section, the Secretary of State must consult—<br> (a) local transport authorities;<br> (b) bus operators;<br> (c) bus users and organisations representing people with disabilities and elderly people; and<br> (d) any other persons or organisations whom the Secretary of State considers it appropriate to consult.<br> (4) The Secretary of State must lay a report on the findings of the review before both Houses of Parliament as soon as is practicable after the completion of the review.”

<p>This new clause would require the Secretary of State to conduct a review of the impact of removing time restrictions on the use of concessionary travel passes (such as “Freedom Passes”).</p>

NC34

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Bus pass scheme for persons in post-16 education</b><br> The Secretary of State must work with bus service operators to introduce a scheme, within 12 months of the passing of this Act, which provides a half-price discount on bus fares for persons in post-16 education.”

<p>This new clause would require the Secretary of State to introduce a discount on bus fares for people in post-16 education.</p>

NC35

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Rural Bus Hubs</b><br> (1) Local transport authorities may consider the construction of Rural Bus Hubs in rural areas which are, in the authority’s assessment, not sufficiently well-served by buses.<br> (2) Any Rural Bus Hub must—<br> (a) be a facility where bus users can park vehicles for the purposes of transferring to a bus service for the remainder of their journey;<br> (b) be constructed outside of town or and village centres, and be easily accessible by road, cycle or walking routes and other modes of transport;<br> (c) be on newly-developed sites or on sites which have been repurposed;<br> (d) contain car parking, electric vehicle charging, cycle parking and other amenities as the franchising authority sees fit, at a level of adequacy determined by the franchising authority.”

<p>This new clause would allow local transport authorities to create rural bus hubs in areas to create a hub-and-spoke model of bus service delivery.</p>

NC36

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Franchising assessments to consider integration of public transport</b><br> In section 123B of the Transport Act 2000 (assessment of proposed scheme), at the end of subsection (3) insert—<br> “(g) how the proposed scheme will allow for or facilitate integration across modes of public transport.””

<p>This new clause would require an assessment of a franchising scheme to include an assessment of the impact on integrated transport.</p>

NC37

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Variation of enhanced partnership schemes to improve integration of public transport</b><br> In section 138K of the Transport Act 2000 (variation), at the end of subsection (5) insert “or—<br> “(c) improve integration across modes of public transport.””

<p>This new clause would mean that an enhanced partnership scheme could not be varied unless it would improve integration across different modes of public transport.</p>

NC38

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Franchising authorities: joint forum</b><br> (1) When operating a franchise scheme, the franchising authority must establish a joint forum with operators and trades unions.<br> (2) The purpose of the joint forum is to address bus service staffing and employment issues in the area covered by that franchising authority.”

NC39

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Assessment of service potential from publicly owned bus operators</b><br> (1) Within six months of this Act receiving Royal Assent, the Secretary of State must conduct an assessment of the ability of publicly owned operators to deliver more cost efficient and reliable bus services than commercial operators.<br> (2) Within a month of the Secretary of State concluding the assessment specified in subsection (1), a copy of the assessment must be laid before both Houses of Parliament.”

70

Clause 4, page 2, line 10, leave out “or places” and insert “, places or Rural Bus Hubs”

<p>This amendment is linked to NC35 and would allow rural bus hubs to be included in the specification for a franchise scheme.</p>

NC16

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Poor performance of franchising</b><br> (1) If, due to poor operational or financial management by the franchising authority or franchisees, there is a persistent failure to deliver a service specified by the contract, the Secretary of State may take over the management of the service.<br> (2) In exercising this power, the Secretary of State may substitute themselves for the franchising authority in the relevant contract.<br> (3) The Secretary of State shall continue to manage the service until such time as—<br> (a) a new contract is let, or<br> (b) another permanent solution is found.”

<p>This new clause seeks to provide the Secretary of State with the power to intervene in cases where franchised bus services are persistently failing due to poor operational or financial management.</p>

NC20

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Assessment to retrofit floating bus stops</b><br> (1) Within six months of the passing of this Act , the Secretary of State must conduct an assessment of all existing floating bus stops for the purposes of—<br> (a) determining the safety of the bus stops and their compliance with relevant safety and accessibility guidance;<br> (b) identifying any retrofits necessary to ensure that floating bus stops are fully accessible and designed inclusively.<br> (2) Following the completion of the assessment, the Secretary of State must develop and implement a programme to retrofit existing floating bus stops in accordance with relevant safety and accessibility standards.<br> (3) The retrofit programme must ensure that floating bus stops are designed to allow room for passengers to board and alight directly between the bus and the pavement safely, without accessing a cycle lane.<br> (4) The retrofit programme detailed must be completed within 18 months of the assessment’s conclusion.”

<p>This new clause would require the Secretary of State to conduct a review of all existing floating bus stops and their level of safety, and subsequently to take steps to implement necessary retrofits to ensure they are fully accessible and safe.</p>

57

Clause 10, page 6, line 6, at end insert—<br> “(A1) Section 123B of the Transport Act 2000 (assessment of proposed scheme) is amended in accordance with subsections (A2) to (A4).<br> (A2) In subsection (2)(a) omit “and”;<br> (A3) In subsection (2)(b), after “action” insert “, and<br> (c) assess the adequacy of central government funding to support the provision of bus services under the scheme.<br> (2A) The assessment under subsection (2)(c) must include—<br> (a) an evaluation of whether available funding is sufficient to meet the projected costs of the franchising scheme, and<br> (b) an analysis of the funding required to maintain or improve service levels across all affected communities.”<br> (A4) After subsection (6) insert—<br> “(6A) An assessment under this section must be made publicly available and submitted to the Secretary of State.””

<p>This amendment to the Transport Act 2000 would require the Secretary of State to assess the adequacy of central government funding to support the provisions of bus services under franchised schemes.</p>

59

Clause 10, page 6, line 37, at end insert—<br> “(11) The Secretary of State must, no later than three months after the day on which this section comes into force, lay before Parliament regulations specifying the qualifications and criteria required for a person to be considered an "approved person" for the purposes of section 123D of the Transport Act 2000.<br> (12) A statutory instrument containing regulations under subsection (11) may not be made unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before and approved by a resolution of each House of Parliament.”

<p>This is a probing amendment to inquire whether the Secretary of State intends to issue the criteria for the “approved persons” role in the near future. A report from an approved person must occur before a franchised scheme can go ahead.</p>

NC33

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Rail bus links scheme</b><br> (1) The Secretary of State must, within 12 months of the passing of this Act, establish a scheme to increase bus services to railway stations for communities without existing local rail connections.<br> (2) The Secretary of State must publish guidance accompanying the scheme on—<br> (a) the departmental funding which will be available for the purposes of the scheme;<br> (b) the qualifying criteria which will be used to assess eligibility for the scheme, which may include, but may not be limited to, insufficiencies in funding, vehicles and equipment, workforce or expertise.<br> (3) Local transport authorities may opt into the scheme.<br> (4) The Secretary of State must review the terms of the scheme every three years from the day on which this Act is passed and may make amendments to the scheme through regulations made by statutory instrument.<br> (5) A statutory instrument under this section may not be made unless a draft has been laid before and approved by a resolution of each House of Parliament.”

<p>This new clause would require the Secretary of State to establish a scheme to increase bus services to railway stations for communities without existing connections.</p>

Gov 3

Page 1, line 2, leave out Clause 1

Gov 4

Clause 7, page 4, line 10, leave out “but” and insert "and"

Gov 5

Clause 7, page 4, line 11, leave out "begins or ends, or begins and ends,” and insert “has one or more stopping places"

Gov 7

Schedule, page 44, line 29, leave out "by neighbouring relevant local authorities of"

Gov 8

Schedule, page 44, line 30, before “those” insert “by neighbouring local transport authorities of"

Gov 9

Schedule, page 44, line 31, before "other" insert "by neighbouring relevant local authorities of"

Gov 10

Schedule, page 45, line 14, at end insert- "(ba) a Transport Partnership created under the Transport (Scotland) Act 2005,"

Gov 11

Schedule, page 46, line 39, at end insert- "(ea) the Welsh Ministers if, in the opinion of the authority or authorities, any part of Wales would be affected by the proposed variation,”

Gov 12

Schedule, page 47, line 13, at end insert- "(ea) a Transport Partnership created under the Transport (Scotland) Act 2005,"

Gov 13

Schedule, page 49, line 22, at end insert- "(ea) the Welsh Ministers if, in the opinion of the authority or authorities, any part of Wales would be affected by the proposed variation,”

Gov 14

Schedule, page 49, line 38, at end insert-

40

Clause 30, page 32, line 6, leave out “may” and insert “must”

<p>This amendment would require the Secretary of State to produce guidance about stopping places.</p>

29

Clause 30, page 32, line 9, at end insert—<br> “including their safety on pavements and crossings on routes to, from and between stopping places in both directions of the routes,<br> (aa) promoting and facilitating access to toilet facilities for passengers and drivers,<br> (ab) providing clear and accessible information, including real-time information, about services calling at stopping places and in the wider area,”

<p>This amendment would require guidance relating to stopping places issued by the Secretary of State to include consideration of the provision of toilet facilities and travel information, as well as to promote the safety of people using pavements and crossings near the stopping places.</p>

41

Clause 30, page 32, line 13, after “comfort” insert “without having to cross a cycle track to board the bus or continue their journey after alighting”

<p>This amendment would extend the purpose of the guidance issued by the Government to include enabling disabled people to travel without having to cross a cycle track in order to board a bus, or once they have alighted.</p>

42

Clause 30, page 32, line 14, delete “may” and insert “must”

<p>This amendment would require any guidance issued by the Secretary of State to include the location, design, construction and maintenance of stopping places, and information on how persons required to have regard to the guidance are to engage with other persons in relation to stopping places.</p>

43

Clause 30, page 32, line 42, at end insert—<br> “(6A) The bodies listed in (6) may depart from such guidance only if—<br> (a) it considers that there are exceptional local circumstances which justify the departure; and<br> (b) it has obtained the written approval of the Secretary of State to the proposed departure.<br> (6B) The bodies listed in (6) must pause the construction of any stopping place designed as a floating bus stop or shared bus stop boarder, and must not proceed with construction, until the Secretary of State has issued guidance under this section relating specifically to the design and use of floating island bus stops and shared bus stop boarders.”

<p>This amendment would ensure that listed bodies would be obliged to follow the guidance except in exceptional circumstances, and would require those bodies to pause construction on new floating bus stops and shared bus-stop boarders until guidance has been published.</p>

30

Clause 30, page 33, line 3, after “place” insert “from the surrounding area and from the nearest stopping place in the opposite direction on any route”

31

Clause 30, page 33, line 4, after “the” insert “information and”

44

Clause 31, page 34, line 17, at end insert—<br> “(9) For the purpose of this section, “floating bus stop” is also to be understood as including “shared bus-stop boarders”.”

<p>This amendment would ensure that the guidance addresses both floating bus stops and shared bus boarders.</p>

45

Clause 32, page 34, line 24, at end insert—<br> “(1A) An authority which is subject to a duty under section 30(6) or section 31(7) (duties to have regard to guidance) must maintain a record of the location of floating island bus stops and shared bus stop boarders.<br> (1B) The record required under subsection (1A) must specify the geographic location of each stop; the type of stop (floating bus stop or shared bus stop boarder), and the date on which the stop was installed or modified.”

<p>This amendment would gather data on floating bus stops and shared bus boarders.</p>

32

Clause 37, page 40, line 23, leave out from “after” to “and” in line 24 and insert “1 January 2027,”

<p>This amendment, along with Amendment 33, would mean that operators of local bus services may not use vehicles registered before 1 January 2027 which produce the emissions specified in subsection (3)(c).</p>

33

Clause 37, page 40, leave out lines 39 and 40

NC5

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Driver access to the Confidential Incident Reporting and Analysis System (CIRAS)</b><br> In the Transport Act 2000, after section 144E (inserted by section 28 of this Act) insert—<br> <b>“144F</b> <b>Access to the Confidential Incident Reporting and Analysis System for drivers of PSVs</b><br> (1) Local transport authorities must ensure that service operators provide drivers of a PSV being used under a licence to provide a local bus service with access to the Confidential Incident Reporting and Analysis System (CIRAS).<br> (2) If service operators do not fulfil the requirement under subsection (1) to provide access to CIRAS for drivers, the local authority may revoke the service permit.””

<p>This new clause would ensure that service operators provide drivers with access to CIRAS (the Confidential Incident Reporting and Analysis System).</p>

NC6

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Bus safety performance data</b><br> In the Transport Act 2000, after section 144E (inserted by section 28 of this Act) insert—<br> <b>“144F</b> <b>Bus safety performance data</b><br> (1) Local transport authorities must—<br> (a) publish bus safety performance data online at minimum intervals of every quarter, and<br> (b) annually submit bus safety performance data to an independent auditor for the purposes of the independent auditor assessing the data’s accuracy.<br> (2) The independent auditor carrying out an assessment under subsection (1)(b) must publish a report on the data which must be made available on the local authority’s website.””

<p>This new clause would require local transport authorities to regularly publish data on bus safety performance, and for that data to be assessed for accuracy annually by an independent auditor.</p>

NC7

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Permitted driving time for drivers of PSVs being used under the licence to provide a local service</b><br> (1) In section 96 of the Transport Act 1968 (permitted driving time and periods of duty), at the end of subsection (1) insert—<br> “, subject to subsection (1A).<br> (1A) Drivers of public service vehicles (PSV) being used under a licence to provide a local bus service must not on any working day drive a PSV for periods amounting in the aggregate to more than nine hours.””

<p>This new clause would change the permitted driving time for bus drivers from ten hours to nine hours (in aggregate) to align with the permitted driving time for HGV drivers.</p>

NC8

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Professional qualifications for officials in franchising authorities</b><br> In the Transport Act 2000, after section 123X insert—<br> <b>“123Y</b> <b>Professional qualifications for officials in franchising authorities</b><br> Officials from a franchising authority responsible for designing, negotiating and enforcing any franchise scheme must have certification from—<br> (a) the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health, and<br> (b) the National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health.””

<p>This new clause would require officials from franchising authorities responsible for designing, negotiating and enforcing any franchise scheme to have IOSH and NEBOSH certifications.</p>

NC9

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Review of the use and costs of bus travel for children</b><br> (1) The Secretary of State must, within two years of the passing of this Act, conduct a review of the use of bus services by children.<br> (2) The review must assess—<br> (a) the level of use of bus services by children,<br> (b) the degree to which cost is a limiting factor in children’s use of bus services,<br> (c) the potential health, social and environmental impacts of children being unable to use bus services as a result of the cost of those services, and<br> (d) the potential impact of making bus travel free for children.<br> (3) For the purposes of any review undertaken under this section, “child” means any person under the age of 18.<br> (4) In conducting a review, the Secretary of State must consult relevant stakeholders, including local councils, transport authorities and youth organisations.”

<p>This new clause would require the Secretary of State to conduct a review of bus use by children and to consider the impact of making bus travel free for children.</p>

NC10

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Review of the English national concessionary travel scheme</b><br> (1) The Secretary of State must, within six months of the passing of this Act, conduct a review of the English national concessionary travel scheme (ENCTS).<br> (2) A review undertaken under this section must assess—<br> (a) the effectiveness and impact of the ENCTS for eligible persons,<br> (b) the impact of the timing restrictions of the ENCTS, and<br> (c) the approximate cost of removing timing restrictions of the ENCTS to allow eligible persons to use the scheme 24 hours a day and seven days a week.<br> (3) In conducting the review, the Secretary of State must consult relevant stakeholders, including local councils, transport authorities and relevant user groups.”

<p>This new clause would require the Secretary of State to conduct a review of the English national concessionary travel scheme (ENCTS) and explore the consequences of removing timing restrictions.</p>

NC11

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Equality impact assessment: floating bus stops and shared-use bus boarders</b><br> (1) Within 12 months of this Act receiving Royal Assent, the Secretary of State must undertake a full equality impact assessment of the Act so far as it relates to floating bus stops and shared-use bus boarders.<br> (2) Within a month of the assessment being completed, the Secretary of State must lay the equality impact assessment before both Houses of Parliament.”

<p>This new clause would require the Secretary of State to undertake an equality impact assessment on the Act’s provisions, so far as they relate to floating bus stops and shared-use bus boarders, within 12 months of the Act becoming law.</p>

NC12

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Prohibition of new floating bus stops</b><br> (1) Within six months of this Act receiving Royal Assent, the Secretary of State must lay before both Houses of Parliament proposals for the prohibition of new floating bus stops and shared-use bus boarders, which route cycle tracks through and on the pavement, in England.<br> (2) Within a month of the proposals specified in subsection (1) being laid before Parliament, the Secretary of State must make time available in both Houses of Parliament for a substantive debate on the proposals.”

<p>This new clause would require the Secretary of State to publish proposals for a ban on new floating bus stops and shared bus boarders within six months of the Act receiving Royal Assent, and to provide time in both Houses of Parliament for a substantive debate on the proposals.</p>

NC13

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Duty to commission a safety and accessibility review of floating bus stops</b><br> (1) Within a year of this Act receiving Royal Assent, the Secretary of State must commission an independent safety and accessibility review of floating bus stops and shared-use bus boarders, which route cycle tracks through and on the pavement, in England.<br> (2) The review specified in subsection (1) must be undertaken in collaboration with groups representing disabled people in England.”

<p>This new clause would require the Secretary of State to commission an independent review of the safety and accessibility of floating bus stops and shared bus boarders, and for the independent review to be undertaken in collaboration with groups representing disabled people in England.</p>

34

Clause 13, page 8, line 5, after “operators” insert “or local government bus companies”

<p>This amendment, along with Amendments 35, 36 and 37, would mean that franchising authorities may directly award public services contracts to local government bus companies.</p>

35

Clause 13, page 8, line 12, after “operator” insert “who is a local government bus company or”

36

Clause 13, page 8, line 27, after “operator” insert “or local government bus company”

37

Clause 13, page 8, line 37, after “regulation,” insert ““local government bus company” has the meaning given in section 22 of the Bus Services (No. 2) Act 2025 and”

39

Clause 14, page 9, line 32, after “activities,” insert—<br> “(iv) health care services, or<br> (v) schools and other educational institutes,”

<p>This amendment would include services which enable people to access health or educational services in the definition of ‘socially necessary local services’.</p>

38

Clause 14, page 9, line 35, after “activities.” insert—<br> “(16) A service which was abolished in the 15 years before the day on which the Bus Services (No. 2) Act 2025 was passed may also be considered a socially necessary local service for the purposes of this section and section 138C.”

<p>This amendment would mean that previous bus services could be considered as socially necessary local services.</p>

27

Clause 23, page 18, line 32, after “environment,” insert—<br> “(ba) about the operation of concessionary fare schemes by the local transport authority,”

<p>This amendment would include information about concessionary fare schemes in the guidance about the making of grants by local transport authorities issued by the Secretary of State.</p>

28

Clause 25, page 21, line 24, after “equipment,” insert “including accessibility and the provision of wheelchair spaces,”

<p>This amendment would add accessibility information to the list of information which is to be provided to users of local bus services.</p>

20

Clause 36, page 39, line 16, at end insert—<br> “(8A) The Rights of Passengers in Bus and Coach Transport (Exemptions and Enforcement) Regulations 2013 (S.I. 2013/1865) are amended in accordance with subsections (8B) and (9).<br> (8B) In regulation 8, after paragraph (1) insert—<br> “(1A) Paragraph (1) does not apply in relation to the enforcement of the requirements of paragraph 1 of Article 16 of Regulation 181/2011 as they apply to a terminal managing body by virtue of paragraph 1A of that Article, and the designated body responsible for the enforcement of those requirements as they so apply is a traffic commissioner who is subject to the duty in regulation 10A(1) of these regulations in relation to those requirements.<br> (1B) The enforcement authority in relation to the requirements of regulations made under section 36 of the Bus Services (No. 2) Act 2025 is a traffic commissioner who is subject to the duty in regulation 10A(1) of these regulations in relation to those requirements.””

<p>This amendment ensures that references in the 2013 Regulations to the enforcement authority cover traffic commissioners responsible for taking enforcement action under regulation 10A.</p>

21

Clause 36, page 39, line 17, leave out from “10” to “insert” in line 18

<p>This amendment is consequential on Amendment 20.</p>

22

Clause 36, page 39, line 21, leave out “this regulation” and insert “these regulations”

<p>This amendment brings regulation 10A(1) of the 2013 Regulations into line with regulation 10(1) of those regulations.</p>

23

Page 41, line 12, leave out Clause 38

<p>This amendment removes the requirement to review the level of bus services being provided to villages in England.</p>

24

Page 41, line 26, leave out Clause 39

<p>This amendment removes the requirement to implement a Vision Zero programme.</p>

25

Page 41, line 32, leave out Clause 40

<p>This amendment removes the requirement to record and share data about assaults and violent behaviour.</p>

NC4

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Miscellaneous amendments</b><br> (1) The Transport Act 2000 is amended as follows.<br> (2) In section 123B (assessment)—<br> (a) for subsection (3)(b) substitute—<br> “(b) whether the proposed scheme would contribute to the implementation—<br> (i) by neighbouring local transport authorities of those authorities’ policies under section 108(1)(a), and<br> (ii) by neighbouring relevant local authorities of other policies affecting local services that those authorities have adopted and published,”, and<br> (b) in subsection (7)—<br> (i) omit the “or” at the end of paragraph (b), and<br> (ii) after that paragraph insert—<br> “(ba) a Transport Partnership created under the Transport (Scotland) Act 2005, or”.<br> (3) In section 123E (consultation)—<br> (a) in subsection (4), after paragraph (d) insert—<br> “(da) the Welsh Ministers if, in the opinion of the authority or authorities, any part of Wales would be affected by the proposed scheme;”, and<br> (b) in subsection (5)—<br> (i) omit the “or” at the end of paragraph (e), and<br> (ii) after that paragraph insert—<br> “(ea) a Transport Partnership created under the Transport (Scotland) Act 2005, or”.<br> (4) In section 162(1) (interpretation of Part 2), at the appropriate place insert—<br> ““council in Scotland” means a council constituted under section 2 of the Local Government etc. (Scotland) Act 1994;”.”

<p>This clause removes unnecessary provision from the assessment requirements for franchising schemes, in certain cases requires consideration of policies of Scottish Transport Partnerships and consultation with them and with the Welsh Ministers, and defines “council in Scotland” for the purposes of Part 2 of the Transport Act 2000.</p>

26

Clause 44, page 43, line 9, leave out subsection (2)

<p>This amendment would remove the privilege amendment inserted by the Lords.</p>

3

Page 1, line 2, leave out Clause 1

<p>This amendment removes clause 1, which sets out the purpose of the Act and requires the Secretary of State to have regard to that purpose when exercising functions under the Act.</p>

4

Clause 7, page 4, line 10, leave out “but” and insert “and”

<p>This amendment and Amendment 5 widen the category of services that are capable of being cross-boundary services.</p>

5

Clause 7, page 4, line 11, leave out “begins or ends, or begins and ends,” and insert “has one or more stopping places”

<p>This amendment and Amendment 4 widen the category of services that are capable of being cross-boundary services.</p>

6

Clause 14, page 10, line 27, leave out subsections (5) and (6)

<p>This amendment removes the requirement for the Secretary of State to carry out an assessment of the impact of ending the £2 bus fare cap and of the level of employer’s national insurance contributions.</p>

17

Clause 22, page 17, line 20, after “company” insert “to which subsection (5B) applies”

<p>This amendment restricts the application of new section 73(5)(c) of the Transport Act 1985 to public transport companies in England.</p>

18

Clause 24, page 20, line 41, after “1985” insert “, in connection with a local service which has one or more stopping places in England,”

<p>This amendment limits clause [24](4) to local services which have one or more stopping places in England.</p>

19

Clause 24, page 20, line 43, at end insert—<br> “(4A) Where a local service is provided both inside and outside England, subsection (4) does not authorise the provision of information which relates to any part of the service which is provided outside England.”

<p>This amendment provides that a traffic commissioner may not provide to the Secretary of State information about cross-border services which relates to any part of the service provided outside England.</p>

7

Schedule, page 44, line 29, leave out “by neighbouring relevant local authorities of”

<p>This amendment, together with Amendment 8 and Amendment 9, ensures that the requirement to consider policies under section 108(1)(a) of the Transport Act 2000 applies only where authorities are required to have such policies.</p>

8

Schedule, page 44, line 30, before “those” insert “by neighbouring local transport authorities of”

<p>See the statement for Amendment 7.</p>

9

Schedule, page 44, line 31, before “other” insert “by neighbouring relevant local authorities of”

<p>See the statement for Amendment 7.</p>

10

Schedule, page 45, line 14, at end insert—<br> “(ba) a Transport Partnership created under the Transport (Scotland) Act 2005,”

<p>This amendment requires a franchising authority to consider the policies of a neighbouring Scottish Transport Partnership when assessing a proposed variation of a franchising scheme.</p>

11

Schedule, page 46, line 39, at end insert—<br> “(ea) the Welsh Ministers if, in the opinion of the authority or authorities, any part of Wales would be affected by the proposed variation,”

<p>This amendment requires consultation with the Welsh Ministers before a franchising authority varies a franchising scheme where the variation would affect any part of Wales.</p>

12

Schedule, page 47, line 13, at end insert—<br> “(ea) a Transport Partnership created under the Transport (Scotland) Act 2005,”

<p>This amendment requires consultation with a Scottish Transport Partnership before a franchising authority varies a franchising scheme where the variation would affect any part of the Partnership’s area.</p>

13

Schedule, page 49, line 22, at end insert—<br> “(ea) the Welsh Ministers if, in the opinion of the authority or authorities, any part of Wales would be affected by the proposed variation,”

<p>This amendment requires consultation with the Welsh Ministers before an authority varies a franchising scheme where the variation would affect any part of Wales.</p>

14

Schedule, page 49, line 38, at end insert—<br> “(ea) a Transport Partnership created under the Transport (Scotland) Act 2005,”

<p>This amendment requires consultation with a Scottish Transport Partnership before a franchising authority varies a franchising scheme area where the variation would affect any part of the Partnership’s area.</p>

15

Schedule, page 51, line 11, at end insert—<br> “(ai) the Welsh Ministers if, in the opinion of the authority or authorities, any part of Wales would be affected by the proposed variation;”

<p>This amendment requires consultation with the Welsh Ministers before an authority varies a franchising scheme where the variation would affect any part of Wales.</p>

16

Schedule, page 51, line 39, at end insert—<br> “(ea) a Transport Partnership created under the Transport (Scotland) Act 2005,”

<p>This amendment requires consultation with a Scottish Transport Partnership before a franchising authority varies a franchising scheme where the variation would affect any part of the Partnership’s area.</p>

1

Clause 30, page 32, line 6, leave out “may” and insert “must”

2

Clause 30, page 32, line 13, after “comfort” insert “without having to cross a cycle track to board the bus or continue their journey after alighting”

NC1

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Equality impact assessment: floating bus stops and shared-use bus boarders</b><br> (1) Within six months of this Act receiving Royal Assent, the Secretary of State must undertake a full equality impact assessment of the Act so far as it relates to floating bus stops and shared-use bus boarders.<br> (2) Within a month of the assessment being completed, the Secretary of State must lay the equality impact assessment before both Houses of Parliament.”

NC2

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Prohibition of new floating bus stops</b><br> (1) Within six months of this Act receiving Royal Assent, the Secretary of State must lay before both Houses of Parliament proposals for the prohibition of new floating bus stops and shared-use bus boarders, which route cycle tracks through and on the pavement, in England.<br> (2) Within a month of the proposals specified in subsection (1) being laid before Parliament, the Secretary of State must make time available in both Houses of Parliament for a substantive debate on the proposals.”

NC3

To move the following Clause—<br> <b>“Duty to commission a safety and accessibility review of floating bus stops</b><br> (1) Within a year of this Act receiving Royal Assent, the Secretary of State must commission an independent safety and accessibility review of floating bus stops and shared-use bus boarders, which route cycle tracks through and on the pavement, in England.<br> (2) The review specified in subsection (1) must be undertaken in collaboration with groups representing disabled people in England.”

35A

Clause 25, page 24, line 37, at end insert “, or—<br> (c) enabling persons with disabilities (within that meaning) to travel on local services independently, and in safety and reasonable comfort.”

<p>This amendment enables guidance about safety and accessibility of stopping places to include guidance for the purpose of enabling persons with disabilities to travel on local services independently and in safety and reasonable comfort.</p>

36A

Clause 25, page 25, line 19, at end insert—<br> “(aa) Transport for London;”

<p>This amendment applies clause 25 to Transport for London.</p>

36B

Clause 25, page 25, line 22, leave out “outside Greater London”

<p>This amendment applies clause 25 to local traffic authorities in Greater London.</p>

39A

After Clause 25, insert the following new Clause—<br> <b>“Provision and design of floating bus stops</b><br> (1) The Secretary of State must give guidance about the provision and design of floating bus stops.<br> (2) The guidance may, in particular, include guidance about—<br> (a) matters to be taken into account, and the consultation that should be carried out, when deciding whether it is appropriate to construct or remove a floating bus stop;<br> (b) the circumstances in which it is appropriate to construct or remove particular types of floating bus stops;<br> (c) other considerations to be taken into account when designing floating bus stops.<br> (3) The Secretary of State may at any time vary or revoke guidance given under this section.<br> (4) The Secretary of State must publish guidance given under this section and any variation or revocation of the guidance.<br> (5) The first guidance given under this section must be published before the end of the period of three months beginning with the day on which this Act is passed.<br> (6) The Secretary of State must consult the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee, and any other persons who in the opinion of the Secretary of State it is appropriate to consult—<br> (a) before giving or revoking guidance under this section, or<br> (b) before varying guidance under this section in a way which, in the opinion of the Secretary of State, results in a substantial change to the guidance.<br> (7) The following must have regard to the guidance—<br> (a) a local transport authority (within the meaning given by Part 2 of the Transport Act 2000) whose area is in England;<br> (b) Transport for London;<br> (c) a local traffic authority (within the meaning given by section 121A of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984), in relation to stopping places on roads in England;<br> (d) a local highway authority (within the meaning of the Highways Act 1980), in relation to stopping places on highways in England;<br> (e) a strategic highways company (within the meaning given by section 1 of the Infrastructure Act 2015), in relation to stopping places on highways in England.<br> (8) In this section—<br> “floating bus stop” means an area in the immediate vicinity of a stopping place for local services, which is designed—<br> (a) for use by people accessing the stopping place, and<br> (b) so as to incorporate a cycle track (within the meaning of the Highways Act 1980 (see section 329 of that Act));<br> “local service” and “stopping place” have the same meanings as in the Transport Act 1985 (see sections 2 and 137 of that Act).”

<p>This amendment requires the Secretary of State to give guidance to certain authorities about the provision and design of floating bus stops.</p>

39B

After Clause 25, insert the following new Clause—<br> <b>“Duty to provide information to Secretary of State</b><br> (1) An authority which is subject to a duty under section 25(6) or (<i>Provision and design of floating bus stops</i>)(7) (duties to have regard to guidance) must, when requested to do so, provide to the Secretary of State—<br> (a) details of how they have complied with the duty, and<br> (b) any other information relating to stopping places provided by the authority and used by local services that is specified in the request.<br> (2) The request may specify the form in which, and the period within which, the information is to be provided.<br> (3) The Secretary of State may publish—<br> (a) any information provided under this section, and<br> (b) if it appears to the Secretary of State that the authority have not complied with their duty under section 25(6) or (<i>Provision and design of floating bus stops</i>)(7), a statement to that effect.<br> (4) In this section “local service” and “stopping place” have the same meanings as in the Transport Act 1985 (see sections 2 and 137 of that Act).”

<p>This amendment requires an authority to provide the Secretary of State on request with compliance information relating to guidance about safety and accessibility of stopping places, or about floating bus stops. It allows the Secretary of State to publish the information and, if it appears that the authority did not have regard to the guidance, a statement to that effect.</p>

61A

Clause 33, page 32, line 8, at end insert—<br> “(1A) Section (<i>Provision and design of floating bus stops</i>) comes into force at the end of the period of two months beginning with the day on which this Act is passed.”

<p>This amendment provides for the clause about guidance on the provision and design of floating bus stops to come into force two months after Royal Assent.</p>

17A

Clause 12, page 10, line 7, at end insert—<br> “(5) The Secretary of State must undertake an assessment of the impact of the level of employers’ National Insurance contributions on the provision of socially necessary bus services, including transport services for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and lay it before both Houses of Parliament within 3 months of the day on which this Act is passed.”

<p>This amendment would require for a review of how the increase in National Insurance contributions from 6 April 2025 would affect socially necessary bus services, including transport services for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).</p>

1

Before Clause 1, insert the following new Clause—<br> <b>“Purpose: improvement of bus passenger services</b><br> (1) The purpose of this Act is to improve the performance, accessibility and quality of bus passenger services in Great Britain.<br> (2) The Secretary of State must, in taking any actions under the provisions of this Act, have regard to this purpose.”

<p>This amendment would place a duty on the Secretary of State to have regard to the purpose of the Act, namely the improved performance, quality and accessibility of bus passenger services in Great Britain.</p>

17

Clause 12, page 10, line 7, at end insert—<br> “(5) The Secretary of State must conduct an assessment of the impact of ending the £2 bus fare cap on passengers ability to access socially necessary local services identified in accordance with section 138A of the Transport Act 2000.”

39

After Clause 25, insert the following new Clause—<br> <b>“Assessment to retrofit floating bus stops</b><br> (1) Within six months of the day on which this Act is passed, the Secretary of State must conduct a full assessment of all existing floating bus stops to determine their level of safety and compliance with relevant safety and accessibility guidance.<br> (2) The assessment must also identify any necessary retrofits to ensure floating bus stops are fully accessible and designed inclusively.<br> (3) Following the assessment, the Secretary of State must develop and implement a programme to retrofit existing floating bus stops in accordance with relevant safety and accessibility standards.<br> (4) The retrofit programme must ensure that floating bus stops are designed to allow room for passengers to board and alight directly between the bus and the pavement safely, without accessing a cycle lane.<br> (5) The retrofit programme detailed in subsection (3) must be completed within 18 months of the assessment’s conclusion.”

<p>This new clause requires the Secretary of State to assess all existing floating bus stops for safety and accessibility compliance within six months of the Act's passage and to complete any necessary retrofits within 18 months thereafter.</p>

[<i>Withdrawn</i>]<br>In subsection (1), after “performance” insert “, accessibility”

None

Clause 9, page 6, line 2, at end insert – "(A1) Section 123B of the Transport Act 2000 (assessment of proposed scheme) is amended in accordance with subsections (A2) to (A4). (A2) In subsection (2)(a) omit “and”.

None

After Clause 11, insert the following new Clause – “Franchising scheme: restriction Where a franchising authority, or two or more franchising authorities acting jointly, prepare an assessment of a proposed franchising scheme under section 123B of the Transport Act 2000 but fail, for any reason, to make and publish a scheme under section 123H of the Transport Act 2000, they must not initiate

None

After Clause 11, insert the following new Clause – "Poor performance of franchising (1) If, due to poor operational or financial management by the franchising authority or franchisees, there is a persistent failure to deliver a service specified by the Secretary of State, the Secretary of State may take over the management of the service. (2) In exercising this power, the Secretary of State may substitute themselves for the franchising authority in the relevant contract. (3) The Secretary of State shall continue to manage the service until such time as – (a) a new contract is let, or (b) another permanent solution is found."

None

Clause 12, page 9, line 20, at end insert - "(iv) health care services, or (v) schools and other educational institutes, and”

None

Clause 12, page 10, line 7, at end insert- "(5) Where a socially necessary route has been identified in accordance with section 138A(15) of the Transport Act 2000, and no alternative operator has implemented the service within a period of six months, the relevant local authority must take reasonable steps to implement a service on the socially necessary route as far as is reasonably practicable. (6) Where a local authority has established a socially necessary service in the absence of alternative operators, the local authority must publish a report on the establishment and operability of the service within six months of establishing that service, which should include, but not be limited to (a) the scope and nature of the service; (b) the estimated operating costs and any identified funding gaps; (c) the impact of the service on local accessibility and transport needs; (d) a timeline for the operation of the service; (e) a statement where the local authority is unable to meet the financial burdens of operating the service within six months of establishing that service, specifying the extent of the financial shortfall. (7) Where a local authority makes a statement under subsection (6)(e), the new burdens doctrine shall apply to the provisions of this section, and the Secretary of State must consider providing appropriate financial support to the local authority to ensure the service can be delivered. (8) Where a local authority is not operating a service in the absence of alternative operators, the provisions in subsection (6) do not apply. (9) A local authority may, in consultation with the relevant local transport authority and following the implementation of a socially necessary service under the provisions of subsection (5), transfer the responsibility for the operation of the service to an alternative operator, provided that the local authority is satisfied that the alternative operator is reasonably able to implement an equivalent service. (10) A service established under these provisions is a local service operated by a local government bus company as defined by section 18.”

None

After Clause 15, insert the following new Clause – “Requirements enabling travel by persons with disabilities (1) The Transport Act 2000 is amended as follows. (2) After section 138C (requirements in respect of local services) insert — "138CA Requirements enabling travel by persons with disabilities (1) An enhanced partnership scheme may specify under section 138A(5)(b) requirements about enabling persons with disabilities to travel on local services independently, and in safety and reasonable comfort. (2) The requirements may include requirements about securing alternative means for the carriage of a person with a disability where - (a) the person cannot travel on a public service vehicle being used to provide a local service because the vehicle's wheelchair space is occupied and cannot be vacated readily, and (b) it is possible for the person, together with any wheelchair, mobility aid or assistance dog which the person has with them, to be carried in safety and reasonable comfort to the person's intended destination by a taxi or private hire vehicle. (3) Before making an enhanced partnership scheme, a local transport authority must consider whether the requirements proposed to be specified in the scheme will enable persons with disabilities to travel independently, and in safety and reasonable comfort, on local services that have one or more stopping places in the area to which the scheme relates. (4) In this section- “assistance dog” has the meaning given by section 173(1) of the Equality Act 2010; “mobility aid” has the meaning given by section 164A(6) of that Act; “persons with disabilities” means persons who have a disability within the meaning given by section 6 of that Act.” (3) In section 138F(6) (consultation), after paragraph (b) insert – "(ba) such persons with disabilities (within the meaning given by section 6 of the Equality Act 2010) who are users or prospective users of local services, or such organisations appearing to the authority or authorities to be representative of such persons, as they think fit;” (4) In section 138K (variation), after subsection (8) insert- “(9) Before varying an enhanced partnership scheme, a local transport authority must consider whether the requirements proposed to be specified in the scheme as varied will enable persons with disabilities to travel

None

After Clause 17, insert the following new Clause – "Bus network accessibility plans In the Transport Act 2000, after section 113B insert- “Bus network accessibility plans: England 113BA Bus network accessibility plans (1) A local transport authority whose area is in England must, before the end of the period of one year beginning with the day on which this section comes into force, publish a bus network accessibility plan in relation to the authority's area. (2) A bus network accessibility plan must- (a) identify what (if any) provision is made to assist persons with disabilities to travel on local services that have one or more stopping places in the authority's area; (b) set out the extent to which, in the authority's opinion, the provision made in the authority's area enables persons with disabilities to travel on such local services independently, and in safety and reasonable comfort; (c) describe what (if any) further action the authority intends to take to enable persons with disabilities to travel on such local services independently, and in safety and reasonable comfort. (3) The authority must review the plan- (a) if there is a substantial change to the provision of local services in the authority's area, and (b) in any event, at least once every three years. (4) The authority must alter the plan -

None

Clause 20, page 17, line 9, at end insert — "(4) Information received by a traffic commissioner under section 6 or 61 of the Transport Act 1985 before this section comes into force may be provided by the traffic commissioner to the Secretary of State (in which case the information is provided without restrictions on its disclosure or use). (5) Subsection (4) does not authorise the disclosure or use of information in contravention of the data protection legislation (but that subsection is to be taken into account in determining whether the disclosure or use does contravene that legislation). (6) In this section “the data protection legislation” has the same meaning as in the Data Protection Act 2018 (see section 3 of that Act)."

None

Clause 21, page 17, line 40, at end insert- "(6) After that subsection insert – "(8A) Where the regulations impose a duty or confer a power to process personal data, the duty or power does not operate to require or authorise the data to be processed in a way which contravenes the data protection legislation

None

Clause 24, page 23, line 41, at end insert- "(3A) Subsection (3)(a) does not operate to require or authorise the processing of personal data in a way which contravenes the data protection legislation

None

After Clause 24, insert the following new Clause – "TfL byelaws In the Greater London Authority Act 1999, after Chapter 8 of Part 4 insert- "CHAPTER 8A BUS BYELAWS London local service byelaws 244A Power to make byelaws for London local services (1) Transport for London may make byelaws regulating one or more of the following- (a) travel on London local services; (b) the maintenance of order on London local services; (c) the conduct of persons while travelling on London local services. (2) The byelaws may, in particular, make provision- (a) with respect to tickets and other things (whether in physical or electronic form) which authorise a person to enter and travel on London local services; (b) with respect to the evasion of payment of fares or other charges; (c) with respect to interference with, or obstruction of, London local services; (d) prohibiting vaping by persons on London local services;

None

Clause 25, page 25, line 3, at end insert – "(2A) The Secretary of State must issue guidance requiring- (a) buses to stop at the kerbside to allow all passengers to board from and alight directly to the pavement, and (b) stopping places to be designed such that all passengers can continue their journey without crossing a live cycle lane running through or on any part of the pavement. (2B) The organisations listed in subsection (6) must comply with the guidance issued under subsection (2A) when commissioning the design, construction or maintenance of a stopping place for a local service, or any facilities in the vicinity of a stopping place for a local service.”

None

After Clause 25, insert the following new Clause- "Reporting on accessibility of bus services (1) Each Local Transport Authority must prepare and publish an annual report assessing the accessibility of bus services within its jurisdiction. (2) The report must include- (a) an assessment of sufficient accessibility provisions of routes and stops; (b) proposals to improve bus route accessibility; (c) an evaluation of the effectiveness of previous accessibility improvements, including data on their impact on disabled passengers and other affected groups;

None

After Clause 25, insert the following new Clause "Prohibition on floating bus stops and plan to retrofit all existing sites (1) On the day on which this Act is passed, the Secretary of State must take all steps necessary (a) to prohibit- (i) the construction of any new floating bus stops, and (ii) the provision of any funding that could be used for the construction of floating bus stops; (b) to retrofit floating bus stops along inclusive-by-design principles to make them fully accessible. (2) The retrofit programme must be completed within 18 months of the day on which this Act is passed. (3) As part of achieving the objective in subsection (1)(a) the Secretary of State must ensure that the relevant parts of Local Transport Note 1/20 (cycle infrastructure design) are updated and that relevant authorities are required to abide by that guidance."

None

Clause 29, page 29, line 12, at end insert- “(1A) Where regulations made under this section impose a duty or confer a power to process personal data, the duty or power does not operate to require or authorise the data to be processed in a way which contravenes the data protection legislation

None

Clause 30, page 30, line 24, at end insert- "(1A) A service falls within this subsection if it is – (a) a local service which has one or more stopping places in England and which (i) is registered under section 6 of the Transport Act 1985, or

1

Before Clause 1, insert the following new Clause—<br> <b>“Purpose: improvement of bus passenger services</b><br> (1) The purpose of this Act is to improve the performance and quality of bus passenger services in Great Britain.<br> (2) The Secretary of State must, in taking any actions under the provisions of this Act, have regard to this purpose.”

<p>This amendment would place a duty on the Secretary of State to have regard to the purpose of the Act, namely the improved performance and quality of bus passenger services in Great Britain.</p>

7

Clause 6, page 3, line 30, leave out “benefits of the proposed service” and insert “proposed service has benefits”

<p>This amendment and others in the name of Lord Moylan seek to simplify the process for granting service permits by removing some conditions and providing more detailed criteria for approval.</p>

8

Clause 6, page 3, line 32, leave out from “area” to end of line 34

<p>This amendment and others in the name of Lord Moylan seek to simplify the process for granting service permits by removing some conditions and providing more detailed criteria for approval.</p>

36

Clause 25, page 25, line 3, at end insert—<br> “(2A) The Secretary of State must issue guidance requiring—<br> (a) buses to stop at the kerbside to allow all passengers to board from and alight directly to the pavement, and<br> (b) stopping places to be designed such that all passengers can continue their journey without crossing a live cycle lane running through or on any part of the pavement.<br> (2B) The organisations listed in subsection (6) must comply with the guidance issued under subsection (2A) when commissioning the design, construction or maintenance of a stopping place for a local service, or any facilities in the vicinity of a stopping place for a local service.”

38

After Clause 25, insert the following new Clause—<br> <b>“Prohibition on floating bus stops and plan to retrofit all existing sites</b><br> (1) On the day on which this Act is passed, the Secretary of State must take all steps necessary—<br> (a) to prohibit—<br> (i) the construction of any new floating bus stops, and<br> (ii) the provision of any funding that could be used for the construction of floating bus stops;<br> (b) to retrofit floating bus stops along inclusive-by-design principles to make them fully accessible.<br> (2) The retrofit programme must be completed within 18 months of the day on which this Act is passed.<br> (3) As part of achieving the objective in subsection (1)(a) the Secretary of State must ensure that the relevant parts of Local Transport Note 1/20 (cycle infrastructure design) are updated and that relevant authorities are required to abide by that guidance.”

60

After Clause 30, insert the following new Clause—<br> <b>“£2 bus fare scheme</b><br> (1) The Secretary of State must establish a scheme to cap the fare for a single bus journey at £2.<br> (2) Bus operators in England, including private companies, franchisees, and local authorities, may opt into the scheme.<br> (3) Service operators under this scheme may receive preferential consideration for the allocation of financial grants under section 19 of this Act.<br> (4) The Secretary of State may review the terms of the scheme every three years from the day on which this Act is passed and amend it through regulations made by statutory instrument.<br> (5) A statutory instrument under this section may not be made unless a draft has been laid before and approved by a resolution of each House of Parliament.”

<p>This amendment requires the Secretary of State to introduce a scheme capping single bus fares at £2, alongside the existing £3 scheme. The scheme will be subject to periodic review.</p>

61

After Clause 30, insert the following new Clause—<br> <b>“Compliance with the Equality Act 2010</b><br> (1) The Transport Act 2000 is amended as follows.<br> (2) In section 108 (local transport plans), after subsection 1(b), insert—<br> “(c) ensure bus services which are subject to the provisions of the Bus Services (No.2) Act 2025 do not discriminate against disabled persons as defined by section 15 of the Equality Act 2010.””

<p>This amendment links the Equality and Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED) provisions in Section 15 of the Equality Act 2010 to local transport authorities and local PSV bus services under both the Transport Act 2000 and this bill. It also clarifies that any bus operating under the provisions of this Bill must comply with the PSED.</p>

[<i>Withdrawn</i>]<br>Before Clause 1, insert the following new Clause—<br> <b>“Purpose: improvement of bus passenger services</b><br> (1) The purpose of this Act is to improve the performance and quality of bus passenger services in Great Britain.<br> (2) The Secretary of State must, in taking any actions under the provisions of this Act, have regard to this purpose.”

<p>This amendment would place a duty on the Secretary of State to have regard to the purpose of the Act, namely the improved performance and quality of bus passenger services in Great Britain.</p>

2

Clause 6, page 3, line 16, leave out “(2)” and insert “(1A)”

<p>This amendment and others in the name of Lord Moylan seek to simplify the process for granting service permits by removing some conditions and providing more detailed criteria for approval.</p>

3

Clause 6, page 3, line 16, at end insert—<br> “(1A) In subsection (5), omit from “and” to end.”

<p>This amendment and others in the name of Lord Moylan seek to simplify the process for granting service permits by removing some conditions and providing more detailed criteria for approval.</p>

4

Clause 6, page 3, line 19, leave out “may” and insert “must”

<p>This amendment and others in the name of Lord Moylan seek to simplify the process for granting service permits by removing some conditions and providing more detailed criteria for approval.</p>

5

Clause 6, page 3, leave out lines 21 to 27 and insert “there is a benefit to persons making journeys on the proposed service.”

<p>This amendment and others in the name of Lord Moylan seek to simplify the process for granting service permits by removing some conditions and providing more detailed criteria for approval.</p>

6

Clause 6, page 3, line 29, leave out “may” and insert “must”

<p>This amendment and others in the name of Lord Moylan seek to simplify the process for granting service permits by removing some conditions and providing more detailed criteria for approval.</p>

9

Before Clause 9, insert the following new Clause—<br> <b>“Franchising statement</b><br> In section 123A of the Transport Act 2000, after subsection (1) insert—<br> “(1A) The power in subsection (1) cannot be exercised until the franchising authority, or two or more franchising authorities acting jointly, has published a statement, subject to the requirement in subsection (1B), stating—<br> (a) their objectives in making the franchising scheme, and<br> (b) their reasons and evidence for believing that the making of such a scheme is the best option for achieving those objectives.<br> (1B) It is a requirement that a statement in subsection (1A) must be published before the franchising authority complies with the requirements in sections 123B to 123G.””

<p>This amendment seeks to ensure that before initiating the formal franchising process under sections 123B to 123G of the Transport Act 2000, franchising authorities must first publish a statement outlining their objectives, reasons, and supporting evidence for believing that franchising is the best option to achieve their aims.</p>

11

After Clause 9, insert the following new Clause—<br> <b>“Duty to consult persons with disabilities</b><br> In section 123E(4) of the Transport Act 2000 (consultation), after paragraph (d) insert—<br> “(da) such persons with disabilities (within the meaning given by section 6 of the Equality Act 2010) who are users or prospective users of local services, or such organisations appearing to the authority or authorities to be representative of such persons, as they think fit;”.”

<p>This amendment requires a franchising authority to consult disabled persons, or organisations representative of disabled persons, before making a franchising scheme.</p>

12

After Clause 11, insert the following new Clause—<br> <b>“Franchising scheme: restriction</b><br> Where a franchising authority, or two or more franchising authorities acting jointly, prepare an assessment of a proposed franchising scheme under section 123B of the Transport Act 2000 but fail, for any reason, to make and publish a scheme under section 123H of the Transport Act 2000, they must not initiate another franchising assessment for the same area, or a substantially similar area, for a period of five years from the date on which the assessment was prepared.”

<p>This amendment prevents franchising authorities from repeatedly conducting franchising assessments for the same or substantially similar areas within a five-year period if they do not proceed to make and publish a franchising scheme.</p>

13

After Clause 11, insert the following new Clause—<br> <b>“Poor performance of franchising</b><br> (1) If, due to poor operational or financial management by the franchising authority or franchisees, there is a persistent failure to deliver a service specified by the contract, the Secretary of State may take over the management of the service.<br> (2) In exercising this power, the Secretary of State may substitute themselves for the franchising authority in the relevant contract.<br> (3) The Secretary of State shall continue to manage the service until such time as—<br> (a) a new contract is let, or<br> (b) another permanent solution is found.”

<p>This amendment seeks to provide the Secretary of State with the power to intervene in cases where franchised bus services are persistently failing due to poor operational or financial management.</p>

18

After Clause 15, insert the following new Clause—<br> <b>“Requirements enabling travel by persons with disabilities</b><br> (1) The Transport Act 2000 is amended as follows.<br> (2) After section 138C (requirements in respect of local services) insert—<br> <b>“138CA</b> <b>Requirements enabling travel by persons with disabilities</b><br> (1) An enhanced partnership scheme may specify under section 138A(5)(b) requirements about enabling persons with disabilities to travel on local services independently, and in safety and reasonable comfort.<br> (2) The requirements may include requirements about securing alternative means for the carriage of a person with a disability where—<br> (a) the person cannot travel on a public service vehicle being used to provide a local service because the vehicle’s wheelchair space is occupied and cannot be vacated readily, and<br> (b) it is possible for the person, together with any wheelchair, mobility aid or assistance dog which the person has with them, to be carried in safety and reasonable comfort to the person’s intended destination by a taxi or private hire vehicle.<br> (3) Before making an enhanced partnership scheme, a local transport authority must consider whether the requirements proposed to be specified in the scheme will enable persons with disabilities to travel independently, and in safety and reasonable comfort, on local services that have one or more stopping places in the area to which the scheme relates.<br> (4) In this section—<br> “assistance dog” has the meaning given by section 173(1) of the Equality Act 2010;<br> “mobility aid” has the meaning given by section 164A(6) of that Act;<br> “persons with disabilities” means persons who have a disability within the meaning given by section 6 of that Act.”<br> (3) In section 138F(6) (consultation), after paragraph (b) insert—<br> “(ba) such persons with disabilities (within the meaning given by section 6 of the Equality Act 2010) who are users or prospective users of local services, or such organisations appearing to the authority or authorities to be representative of such persons, as they think fit;”<br> (4) In section 138K (variation), after subsection (8) insert—<br> “(9) Before varying an enhanced partnership scheme, a local transport authority must consider whether the requirements proposed to be specified in the scheme as varied will enable persons with disabilities to travel independently, and in safety and reasonable comfort, on local services that have one or more stopping places in the area to which the scheme as proposed to be varied relates.<br> (10) In this section, “persons with disabilities” means persons who have a disability within the meaning given by section 6 of the Equality Act 2010.”<br> (5) In section 138A(5)(b) (requirements which may be specified in enhanced partnership schemes), for “section 138C” substitute “sections 138C and 138CA”.”

<p>This amendment requires a local transport authority to consult disabled persons before making an enhanced partnership scheme, and to impose requirements to enable travel by disabled persons on local services independently and in safety and reasonable comfort.</p>

19

After Clause 17, insert the following new Clause—<br> <b>“Bus network accessibility plans</b><br> In the Transport Act 2000, after section 113B insert—<br> <i class="text-centre">“Bus network accessibility plans: England</i><br> <b>113BA</b> <b>Bus network accessibility plans</b><br> (1) A local transport authority whose area is in England must, before the end of the period of one year beginning with the day on which this section comes into force, publish a bus network accessibility plan in relation to the authority’s area.<br> (2) A bus network accessibility plan must—<br> (a) identify what (if any) provision is made to assist persons with disabilities to travel on local services that have one or more stopping places in the authority’s area;<br> (b) set out the extent to which, in the authority’s opinion, the provision made in the authority’s area enables persons with disabilities to travel on such local services independently, and in safety and reasonable comfort;<br> (c) describe what (if any) further action the authority intends to take to enable persons with disabilities to travel on such local services independently, and in safety and reasonable comfort.<br> (3) The authority must review the plan—<br> (a) if there is a substantial change to the provision of local services in the authority’s area, and<br> (b) in any event, at least once every three years.<br> (4) The authority must alter the plan—<br> (a) following any review carried out as required by <br> subsection (3)(a)<br> , or<br> (b) if the authority considers it appropriate to do so for any other reason.<br> (5) The authority may replace the plan as they think fit.<br> (6) In preparing and reviewing a bus network accessibility plan, a local transport authority must consult—<br> (a) persons operating local services in the authority’s area,<br> (b) such persons with disabilities who are users or prospective users of local services, or such organisations appearing to the authority to represent such persons, as they think fit, and<br> (c) any other persons whom the authority considers it appropriate to consult.<br> (7) In this section “persons with disabilities” means persons who have a disability within the meaning given by section 6 of the Equality Act 2010.””

<p>This amendment provides for local transport authorities in England to make a bus network accessibility plan.</p>

20

Clause 18, page 13, line 35, at end insert—<br> “(4A) In relation to the award of a local service contract by one or more franchising authorities pursuant to a franchising scheme, any contract to be awarded pursuant to that franchising scheme shall not be an exempted contract under the Procurement Act 2023 unless awarded to a local government bus company that is an Exempted Local Government Bus Company and Schedule 2 to the Procurement Act 2023 shall be construed accordingly.<br> (4B) An Exempted Local Government Bus Company is a local government bus company as defined by subsection (5) and which was in business providing local services on 17 December 2024.<br> (4C) In section 3 of the Procurement Act 2023 (public contracts), after subsection (6) insert—<br> “(7) Section 18 of the Bus Services (No. 2) Act 2025 restricts the circumstances in which local service contracts awarded to a local government bus company are to be regarded as exempted contracts.””

<p>This amendment ensures that any contract awarded under a franchising scheme by one or more franchising authorities cannot be exempt from the Procurement Act 2023 unless it is awarded to a local government bus company that meets specific criteria - specifically one that was actively providing local services as of December 17 2024, and aligns with the provisions outlined in section 18(5) of the Act.</p>

21

Clause 18, page 14, line 23, leave out “73(5) (activities” and insert “73 (control over constitution and activities”

<p>This amendment is consequential on my amendment to clause 18, page 14, line 27.</p>

22

Clause 18, page 14, line 23, after “end” insert “of subsection (5)”

<p>This amendment is consequential on my amendment to clause 18, page 14, line 27.</p>

23

Clause 18, page 14, line 27, at end insert—<br> “(ii) after that subsection insert—<br> “(5A) Subsection (3)(b) does not apply in relation to borrowing money for the purposes of, or in connection with, the provision of local services by a public transport company to which subsection (5B) applies.<br> (5B) This subsection applies to a public transport company the controlling authority of which is—<br> (a) an authority the functions of which are exercisable in relation to an area in England, or<br> (b) two or more authorities the functions of which are exercisable in relation to areas in England.””

<p>This amendment removes the restriction on public transport companies in England borrowing money where the money is borrowed in order to provide local services.</p>

24

Clause 20, page 15, line 36, leave out “as follows” and insert “in accordance with subsections (2) and (3)”

<p>This amendment is consequential on my amendment to clause 20, page 17, line 9.</p>

25

Clause 20, page 16, line 43, at end insert—<br> “(13) Where regulations under this section impose a duty or confer a power to process personal data, the duty or power does not operate to require or authorise the data to be processed in a way which contravenes the data protection legislation (but the duty or power is to be taken into account in determining whether the processing contravenes that legislation).<br> (14) In this section “the data protection legislation”, “personal data” and “processing” have the same meanings as in the Data Protection Act 2018 (see section 3 of that Act), and “process” and “processed” are to be construed accordingly.”

<p>This amendment clarifies that provision contained in regulations under section 6 of the Transport Act 1985 in relation to the processing of personal data does not operate in contravention of the data protection legislation.</p>

26

Clause 20, page 17, line 9, at end insert—<br> “(c) after that subsection insert—<br> “(7A) Where the regulations impose a duty or confer a power to process personal data, the duty or power does not operate to require or authorise the data to be processed in a way which contravenes the data protection legislation (but the duty or power is to be taken into account in determining whether the processing contravenes that legislation).”;<br> (d) in subsection (8), at the appropriate place insert—<br> ““the data protection legislation” , “personal data” and “processing” have the same meanings as in the Data Protection Act 2018 (see section 3 of that Act), and “process” and “processed” are to be construed accordingly;””

<p>This amendment clarifies that provision contained in regulations under section 6I of the Transport Act 1985 in relation to the processing of personal data does not operate in contravention of the data protection legislation.</p>

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Clause 20, page 17, line 9, at end insert—<br> “(4) Information received by a traffic commissioner under before this section comes into force may be provided by the traffic commissioner to the Secretary of State (in which case the information is provided without restrictions on its disclosure or use).<br> section 6 or 6I of the Transport Act 1985<br> (5) Subsection (4) does not authorise the disclosure or use of information in contravention of the data protection legislation (but that subsection is to be taken into account in determining whether the disclosure or use does contravene that legislation).<br> (6) In this section “the data protection legislation” has the same meaning as in the Data Protection Act 2018 (see section 3 of that Act).”

<p>This amendment enables certain registration information held by the traffic commissioners when this clause comes into force to be published by the Secretary of State.</p>

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Clause 21, page 17, line 31, at end insert—<br> “(g) any other information which may be prescribed under section 6(2)(a) of the Transport Act 1985 in relation to the registration of a local service under that section.”

<p>This amendment enables the Secretary of State to obtain the same information under section 141A of the Transport Act 2000 as may be obtained under section 6(2)(a) of the Transport Act 1985 in relation to local services which are required to be registered under that section.</p>

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Clause 21, page 17, line 40, at end insert—<br> “(6) After that subsection insert—<br> “(8A) Where the regulations impose a duty or confer a power to process personal data, the duty or power does not operate to require or authorise the data to be processed in a way which contravenes the data protection legislation (but the duty or power is to be taken into account in determining whether the processing contravenes that legislation).<br> (8B) In subsection (8A) “the data protection legislation”, “personal data” and “processing” have the same meanings as in the Data Protection Act 2018 (see section 3 of that Act), and “process” and “processed” are to be construed accordingly.””

<p>This amendment clarifies that provision contained in regulations under section 141A of the Transport Act 2000 in relation to the processing of personal data does not operate in contravention of the data protection legislation.</p>

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Clause 24, page 20, line 2, leave out “after section 144” and insert “before the italic heading preceding section 145A”

<p>This amendment ensures that new section 144A is inserted in the correct place in Part 2 of the Transport Act 2000.</p>

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Clause 24, page 20, line 15, at end insert—<br> “(za) with respect to tickets and other things (whether in physical or electronic form) which authorise a person to enter and travel on local services;”

<p>This amendment ensures that byelaws made by local transport authorities can allow for the use of smart card tickets on local bus services.</p>

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Clause 24, page 20, line 16, leave out from the first “to” to “the” in line 17

<p>This amendment is consequential on my amendment of clause 24, page 20, line 15.</p>

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