Bus

Regulatio
n

(Scotland)
Bill
The UNISON Scotland Response to the Consultation on the Proposed Bus
Regulation ( Scotland) Bill

August 2013

Introduction
UNISON is Scotlands largest public sector trade union representing over
160,000 members delivering services across Scotland. UNISON members
deliver a wide range of services in the public, community and private
sector. We welcome the opportunity to comment on this proposed Bill.
Do you support the general aim of the proposed Bill? Please indicate
yes/no/undecided and explain the reasons for your response.
UNISON Scotland is fully supportive of the aims of the proposed Bill.
Transport costs are a significant expenditure for many thousands of
UNISON members and the way prices have consistently risen faster than
wages (or indeed inflation generally) is a significant contributor to the
decline in living standards experienced by public service workers in
recent years.
We believe that the current level of regulation of buses is inadequate
whether formally or not the major bus groups appear to operate as a
cartel. They give every appearance of having have divided the country
into effective spheres of influence where competition amongst each other
is minimal and local monopolies are the rule. Service changes and
redesign give every appearance of being designed to maximise return and
profitability rather than provide a service for the whole community
This is very good for the shareholders of bus companies it is far from
ideal for passengers and potential passengers.
2. What would be the main practical advantages of the legislation
proposed? What would be the disadvantages?
It would mitigate the effects of the virtual monopoly situation described
above. It would compel a degree of social responsibility on the often very
large and highly profitable companies who operate the vast majority of
buses in Scotland.
The Bill should ensure that areas which are currently poorly served, this
includes many urban areas as well as the more obvious rural areas, will
receive a better service. Operators will be compelled to run services
which have a high social value - rather than simply those which promise
the highest rate of return.
Minimum levels of service would also serve to increase the level of
provision.
By allowing people to travel by bus - rather than having to travel by car
improved Bus services could help make a contribution to cutting carbon
emissions.

Regulation could also be used to try and ensure the joined up

servicewith through ticketing and joint timetabling that is found in
London.
3. In what ways do you envisage reregulation being used to improve
bus services?
By bundling together the operation of high revenue routes, with socially
vital , but less profitable routes the legislation will mean more people
than currently will have the opportunity to travel by bus.
4. How can community transport be better utilised to serve local
communities and particularly low passenger volume routes?
By having services designed in conjunction with the local community
who should also have a say in how the bus routes in their area are run .
5. Do you agree that the Traffic Commissioner should be able to
impose greater financial penalties on operators who a) fail to meet
the terms of the franchise or b) walk away from the franchise
altogether?
Yes
6. What is your assessment of the likely financial implications of the
proposed Bill to you or your organisation? What other significant
financial implications are likely to arise?
The proposed Bill could make a large contribution the finances of
UNISON members. If it opens up the possibility of travelling to and from
work by public transport rather than car, significant savings can be made
by the public service workforce.
7. Is the proposed Bill likely to have any substantial positive or
negative implications for equality? If it is likely to have a substantial
negative implication, how might this be minimised or avoided?
We do not believe that the proposed Bill has any negative implications for
equality. Given that the main impact will be to open up services to people
who are currently either not, or poorly, served, it will have positive
impacts on inequality.