Bus Priority and Accessibility Bill 2023

A

Bill

To

enhance the priority and accessibility of bus services on UK roads, promote sustainable transportation, and improve the overall efficiency of public transport networks.

BE IT ENACTED by the King’s Most Excellent Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Parliament of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, as follows:

Section 1: Definitions

For the purposes of this Act:

1. "Bus" refers to a motor vehicle designed or adapted to carry more than 8 passengers, excluding the driver, and operated for the carriage of passengers on scheduled services.
2. "Bus priority" refers to the measures undertaken to prioritise the movement of buses and improve their efficiency, including but not limited to dedicated lanes, signal priority, and other traffic management strategies.
3. "Local Authority" refers to a county council, district council, London borough council, metropolitan borough council, or unitary authority, as applicable.

Section 2: Bus Priority Measures

1. Local authorities shall identify and designate key bus corridors within their jurisdiction for the implementation of bus priority measures.
2. The Secretary of State shall establish guidelines and standards for the design and implementation of bus priority measures, taking into account the specific requirements and characteristics of different localities.
3. Local authorities shall, within a reasonable timeframe, implement bus priority measures on designated corridors, including but not limited to:
   a. The creation of dedicated bus lanes, physically separated where possible, to provide unobstructed routes for buses.
   b. Signal priority systems to give buses preferential treatment at traffic lights.
   c. The introduction of bus-only streets and restricted access areas to ensure efficient and reliable bus operations.
   d. The provision of infrastructure to support safe boarding and alighting of passengers, such as bus stops and shelters.
   e. Coordinated efforts to synchronise bus services with other modes of public transportation.
   f. Any other measures identified as effective in improving bus priority and service reliability.

Section 3: Funding and Grants

1. The Secretary of State shall allocate funding to local authorities to support the implementation of bus priority measures and related infrastructure.
2. Local authorities shall submit proposals outlining their bus priority plans to the Secretary of State to access funding.
3. The Secretary of State may provide grants to local authorities based on the merit and viability of their proposals, taking into consideration the overall national transport strategy and objectives.
4. Local authorities are encouraged to explore additional funding sources, such as partnerships with private entities or local businesses, to supplement government grants.

Section 4: Consultation and Stakeholder Engagement

1. Local authorities shall consult with relevant stakeholders, including but not limited to bus operators, public transportation users, residents, and businesses, during the planning and implementation of bus priority measures.
2. Local authorities shall undertake regular assessments and evaluations of bus priority measures to ensure their effectiveness and address any concerns raised by stakeholders.

2(a)Evaluations of bus priority measures undertaken by local authorities must:

(b) include targets for buses as a modes of transport as a share of all modes in the transport sector in the local area;

(c) include targets for the reduction of carbon emissions produced by the transport sector in the local area; and

(d) include targets for the reduction of pollution produced by the transport sector in the local area;

1. The Secretary of State shall establish a mechanism for sharing best practices and facilitating knowledge exchange among local authorities regarding the implementation of bus priority measures.

Section 5: Reporting and Accountability

1. Local authorities shall provide periodic progress reports to the Secretary of State on the implementation and impact of bus priority measures within their jurisdiction.
2. The Secretary of State shall compile and analyse the reports received from local authorities and prepare an annual report for Parliament outlining the overall progress of bus priority initiatives nationwide.
3. The Transport Committee of Parliament shall review the annual report and may make recommendations for further improvements and policy changes as necessary.

Section 6: Commencement, Extent, and Short Title

1. This Act shall come into force three months after receiving Royal Assent.
2. This Act applies to England only, unless–
   a. a Legislative Consent Motion is passed in the Pàrlamaid na h-Alba, in which case it shall also apply to Scotland, or
   b. a Legislative Consent Motion is passed in the Senedd Cymru, in which case it shall also apply to Wales, or
   c. Legislative Consent Motion is passed in the Northern Ireland Assembly, in which case it shall also apply to Northern Ireland.

This bill was submitted by u/Leftywalrus CBE, 1st Baron Wetwang on behalf of the Official Opposition.

Opening Statement

Deputy Speaker,

Today, I stand before you to present a visionary and transformative piece of legislation—the Bus Priority and Accessibility Act 2023. This Act marks a significant milestone in our commitment to revolutionise the UK's public transportation system and create a future where buses become the backbone of sustainable and efficient travel.

Our public transportation networks are the lifeblood of our communities, connecting people, facilitating economic growth, and reducing congestion. However, we recognise that our bus services face numerous challenges, hindering their effectiveness and leaving commuters frustrated. That is why we have crafted this Act—a comprehensive framework designed to prioritise buses and ensure they have the infrastructure and support they need to thrive.

Under the Bus Priority and Accessibility Act 2023, local authorities will be empowered to identify and designate key bus corridors for the implementation of bus priority measures. We firmly believe that buses should have unobstructed routes, allowing them to move swiftly through our towns and cities. This Act will facilitate the creation of dedicated bus lanes, ensuring buses can navigate through traffic with ease. Signal priority systems will give buses the green light they need, minimising delays and keeping services on schedule. Furthermore, the introduction of bus-only streets and restricted access areas will provide a reliable and efficient environment for buses to operate.

Accessibility is a fundamental pillar of this Act. We believe that public transportation should be inclusive and cater to the needs of all individuals. Therefore, the Bus Priority and Accessibility Act 2023 mandates the provision of infrastructure that supports safe and easy boarding and alighting of passengers, including accessible bus stops and shelters. By investing in accessible infrastructure, we are sending a clear message that everyone, regardless of ability, deserves equal access to our public transportation system.

We understand that funding is a crucial component of implementing these ambitious measures. Therefore, this Act establishes a robust funding mechanism, ensuring that local authorities have the necessary resources to deliver on their bus priority plans. We will work diligently to allocate funds effectively, prioritising projects that have a transformative impact on our bus services and benefit the communities they serve.

In the spirit of collaboration and effective governance, we emphasise the importance of consultation and stakeholder engagement. Local authorities will be required to consult with bus operators, public transportation users, residents, and businesses during the planning and implementation stages. We value the input and expertise of these stakeholders, as they will help shape the bus priority measures to best meet the needs of our communities.

To ensure transparency and accountability, this Act mandates regular assessments and evaluations of bus priority measures. Local authorities will provide periodic progress reports, allowing us to monitor the implementation and impact of these measures. The Transport Committee of Parliament will review these reports and make recommendations to further enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of our bus services.

In conclusion, the Bus Priority and Accessibility Act 2023 represents a bold and ambitious vision for the future of public transportation in the United Kingdom. By prioritising buses on our roads and investing in accessible infrastructure, we are taking decisive steps towards a more sustainable, efficient, and inclusive transportation system. This Act is a testament to our commitment to addressing the challenges faced by our bus services and delivering a transportation network that serves the needs of our citizens.

We urge all members of this esteemed assembly to support the Bus Priority and Accessibility Act 2023, working together to create a brighter future for our communities and ensuring that our bus services become the backbone of sustainable and efficient travel.

Thank you.

This Division will end on the 20th at 10PM.