The Senior Traffic Commissioner for Great Britain has today
launched a consultation to review how traffic commissioners
assess the performance of local bus services, including
punctuality, reliability and wider regulatory expectations.
The consultation seeks views from operators, local authorities,
passenger groups and other stakeholders on whether current
standards remain fit for purpose and how they should evolve to
reflect changes in the industry, legislation and technology.
Statutory Document No. 14, which sets out how traffic
commissioners approach regulatory action where services fail to
meet expected standards, has not undergone a significant review
for over a decade. The review forms part of the Traffic
Commissioners' strategic objective to ensure that statutory
guidance remains relevant, proportionate and effective.
Reviewing bus punctuality and reliability
standards
The consultation focuses in particular on whether the
longstanding expectation that 95% of services operate within a
window of one minute early to five minutes late remains
appropriate in 2026
It also explores:
- how standards should apply to different types of services,
including frequent and flexible routes
- what constitutes a reasonable excuse' for poor performance
- what positive actions by operators should be recognised as
mitigation
In addition, the call for evidence considers whether clearer
guidance is needed where performance falls below expectations,
including the role of improvement plans before formal regulatory
action is taken.
Wider regulatory considerations
The consultation also seeks views on a range of related
regulatory matters, including:
- Compliance with Bus Open Data obligations: how traffic
commissioners should respond where operators fail to meet their
obligations under the Public Service Vehicles (Open Data)
(England) Regulations 2020
- Traffic management: how powers under the Traffic Management
Act 2004 could be used to obtain information from local
authorities where network issues affect service performance
- Franchising arrangements: the appropriate regulatory response
where services operate without the required authority in
franchised areas
The consultation also examines how emerging technology, such as
real-time passenger information, and evolving operating
environments should influence regulatory expectations.
Collaboration and future standards
The Senior Traffic Commissioner has already engaged with
stakeholders in developing the proposals and is now inviting
broader input to help shape future guidance.
The aim is to ensure that the regulatory framework:
- supports reliable and efficient local bus services
- reflects modern operating conditions
- promotes fairness and consistency across the industry
Kevin Rooney, Senior Traffic Commissioner for Great Britain, said
Local bus services play a vital role in connecting communities
and supporting economic activity. It is important that our
regulatory approach keeps pace with changes in the industry and
continues to promote reliable and high-quality services for
passengers.
This consultation provides an opportunity for all stakeholders to
share their views on how performance standards should be applied
in the future. I encourage anyone with an interest to contribute.
How to respond
The consultation is open to responses from individuals and
organisations. Stakeholders are invited to submit their views on
any of the questions set out in the document.
Responses can be submitted by email or post, with full details
provided in the Local bus service
performance standards: consultation - GOV.UK.
The evidence gathered will inform updates to statutory guidance
and statutory directions issued by the Senior Traffic
Commissioner.
