NPF 2013 discussion feedback: Living Standards and
Sustainability
Our Buses and Railways: giving communities more of a say
Three workshops took place on the policy paper ‘Our Buses and
Railways: giving communities more of a say’ at the National Policy
Forum in June 2013. The paper addresses the need for greater
accountability and control over local transport services, and increased
integration of the transport network. Representatives agreed that the
amended paper should reflect the changes outlined below:

It was felt that the amended paper should reflect how changes such
as reregulation and devolution could make life easier for transport
users, and illustrate the outcomes we would expect from
reregulation and devolution

The possible role of mutuals was a recurring theme of discussion,
and delegates agreed that the paper should be amended to reflect
the role that mutual could play.

On the first set of options, it was felt that the amended paper
should reflect both options. It should note that Integrated Transport
Authorities and Passenger Transport Executives may cease to exist
within the next six months, and so references to these organisations
(in relation to devolved transport powers and funding) may cease to
be relevant.

Representatives argued that the proposals to devolve power should
be framed in a more positive way to make the case for devolution.

On the second set of options, it was felt that the amended paper
should reflect both options. It should be made clear that
‘deregulation exemption zones’ will not necessarily be an exception
to the rule, and the paper should make a positive case for
reregulation.