BUS COMPLAINTS
As from 26 April 2007 the Bus Users Complaints Tribunal (BUCT) was wound up and its functions subsumed by Passengers' View Scotland (PVS). The function of the PVS is primarily that of an Advisory body to Scottish Ministers, but it has established the Bus Passengers' Platform (BPP) which now deals with certain bus complaints.
If you have contacted the operator and have not received a response to your satisfaction you may wish to contact the Bus Passengers' Platform at Scottish Government, Area 2D Dockside, Victoria Quay, EDINBURGH, EH6 6QQ or alternatively e-mail: buscomplaints@scotland.gsi.gov.uk enclosing a copy of all correspondence between yourself and the operator. Please note that we are unable to pursue complaints unless you have contacted the operator in the first instance.
Complaints will be dealt with, in the first instance, by the joint PVS/BPP Secretariat, who will thoroughly consider your case and the evidence submitted by the relevant operator, if your case relates to the following:-
- Incorrect fare charged
- Attitude or Behaviour of Staff
- Personal Security
- Accessibility and
- Clarity of Destination and Route inform;
Specific Complaints Regarding Bus Service Registration, Routes and Timetables
Bus operators must register local services they intend to operate with the Traffic Commissioner. The service registration must include notification of the route to be undertaken together with a copy of the scheduled timetable. Bus operators are legally obliged to run to the registered timetable submitted to the Traffic Commissioner. Failure to do so should be reported to the Traffic Commissioner at Level 6, The Stamp Office, 10 Waterloo Place, Edinburgh, EH1 3EG (Tel: 0870 606 0440). The Traffic Commissioner has powers to investigate the complaint and impose sanctions on operators who fail to run their registered services to the required standard.
The Public Service Vehicles (Registration of Local Services) (Scotland) Regulations 2001 came into force on 1 July 2001 and encourage stability of bus service provision. The Regulations were made under the Transport (Scotland) Act 2001 and tightened the registration requirements that bus operators must observe. The period for notifying a registration, variation or cancellation of a service is now 56 days. Operators must also consult local authorities 14 days before submitting registration details to the Traffic Commissioner. At least 21 days notice of variations or cancellations coming into effect must be given to the public. Under the provisions of the Act operators are required to operate new or varied services for a minimum of 90 days. If you feel that insufficient notice has been given you should contact the Traffic Commissioner at Level 6, The Stamp Office, 10 Waterloo Place, Edinburgh, EH1 3EG (Tel: 0870 606 0440)
Specific Complaints Regarding Condition Of Vehicles (Buses)
Operators who fail to maintain their vehicles to an acceptable standard may have their operator's licence curtailed or revoked by the Traffic Commissioner. Complaints about buses which are perceived to be in an unfit condition in any respect should be made to the Traffic Commissioner, Level 6, The Stamp Office, 10 Waterloo Place, Edinburgh, EH1 3EG (Tel: 0870 606 0440)
Change to Bus Routes
If your complaint is regarding bus routes you may wish to contact the bus operator or your local authority (contacts for all local authorities can be found at www.cosla.gov.uk)
Location of Bus Stops
If your complaint is about bus stops you may wish to contact your local authority.
COMPLAINTS SIGNPOSTING
Rail Complaints:http://www.passengerfocus.org.uk/
Air Complaints:http://www.caa.co.uk/default.aspx?catid=306
Ferry Complaints:http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Transport/regional-partnerships