[Dave Abbott]

Hi everyone (first post!), we've just started a review of cuts to the bus service subsidy here in Warwickshire and I just wondered if any other authorities have done any scrutiny work on this before?

It seems like it would be a big issue for scrutiny across the Country but my initial research is coming up a bit dry. Any leads?

Cheers.

[Ed Hammond]

Sorry Dave - although there is some work on buses elsewhere is tends to focus on service patterns rather than the subsidy. If you do a search on the website for "rural transport" you might come up with some more relevant examples.

You might do well to start in the metropolitan areas with integrated transport authorities (ITAs) like Birmingham, Manchester etc. Here, transport providers are held to account by councillors more frequently and you might be able to get some insight.

Or - and I know it is different in regulatory and political terms - the London Assembly Transport Committee does a good job in the capital at holding bus franchising to account.

Of course, the organisational context for all these will be different to your circumstances, so bear that in mind.

[Leanne Martin]

(26-07-2012 08:41 AM)Dave Abbott Wrote:  Hi everyone (first post!), we've just started a review of cuts to the bus service subsidy here in Warwickshire and I just wondered if any other authorities have done any scrutiny work on this before?

It seems like it would be a big issue for scrutiny across the Country but my initial research is coming up a bit dry. Any leads?

Cheers.

Hi Dave,
In Cornwall last year there was a scrutiny inquiry day into the subsidy of buses here (and we are pretty rural!), triggered by a decision to cut the reimbursement of older people bus passes. It was dealt with by a colleague, if it would help let me know and I'll see what info I can get you.
Thanks,
Leanne