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Chapter 2
Aims, Objectives and Actions
Aims, Objectives and Actions
2.1 Taking into account the conclusions reached in Chapter 1, the aims, objectives and actions that follow address the different types of development that are required in different parts of Scotland. They recognise that there is no 'one size fits all' solution, and that all partners need to act in various ways, tailoring solutions to the specific problems that they face.
Effective Transport Planning
To improve bus services through effective transport planning we need:
- a clear vision of how local bus services meet local needs
- greater use of bus plans with explicit actions to deliver vision
- close partnership working between transport authorities and bus operators
- improved communication with all stakeholders.
To achieve these aims and objectives, we will take the following Actions.
1. Work with Regional Transport Partnerships to ensure the forthcoming Regional Transport Strategies have a strong bus component.
2. Work with transport authorities to improve bus services, including by establishing Bus Forums in each authority area.
3. Integrate bus planning (including Demand Responsive Transport) with the general, land use, health service and education planning frameworks.
Development of the Bus Industry
To support the development of the bus industry in Scotland we need:
- targeted financial support that meets transport aims (e.g. encouraging investment in cleaner and more innovative buses)
- legislation that supports transport aims
- consideration of national standards where required
- use of Quality Partnerships and Quality Contracts where appropriate
- involvement of all stakeholders
- promotion of accessibility and social inclusion.
To achieve these aims and objectives, we will take the following Actions.
4. Review Scottish government funding, with operators and transport authorities, to ensure that it is directed at improving the quality and reliability of services and at enhancing bus infrastructure (e.g. bus passenger priority measures and Bus Rapid Transit).
5. Review Grant Aided Expenditure ( GAE) for supported services for its impact on rural areas.
6. Examine performance-related funding for payment of Bus Service Operators Grant ( BSOG), drawing lessons from the Service Quality Incentive Regime ( SQUIRE), a rail performance regime; and amend BSOG to allow claims to be made for fully flexible registered services.
Service Quality Incentive Regime ( SQUIRE) The SQUIRE regime is a service quality and performance incentive regime which is designed to ensure that the rail franchisee (First ScotRail) maintains and improves the services and facilities they provide for rail passengers. There are various criteria including graffiti, litter, seats, staff and customer care. |
7. Expand the Rural Transport Fund.
8. Expand Demand Responsive Transport.
9. In order to support franchising where there is market failure, review the legislation on Quality Contracts ( QCs) to simplify the process to be followed by transport authorities.
10. Review the legislation on Quality Partnerships ( QPs) to simplify the process and increase the benefits to the passenger.
11. Issue Scotland-specific guidance on Punctuality Improvement Partnerships ( PIPs).
12. Liaise with the Department for Transport on enhancements to, and the development of, quality measures.
13. Encourage investment in cleaner and more innovative buses.
14. Working with transport authorities, conduct a nation-wide review of bus stop information.
Effective Implementation of Regulatory Regime
To support effective implementation of the regulatory regime we need:
- public bodies effectively implementing the regulatory regime
- legislation that supports the regulatory regime
- an adequately resourced regime.
To achieve these aims and objectives, we will take the following Actions.
15. Establish a protocol with the Traffic Commissioner and the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency ( VOSA) to improve the effectiveness of the regulatory regime, including setting time limits for decisions by the Commissioner following a public inquiry, better targeting of inspection by VOSA, and ensuring greater joint working by transport authorities in identifying issues for inspection.
16. Consider legislative changes to the service registration rules to increase the effectiveness of the registration regime.
17. Work with police and local authorities to improve enforcement of bus passenger priorities and no parking at bus stops.
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