Written question asked by Tom Blenkinsop (Labour) on Wednesday, 25 April 2012, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 30 April 2012. It was answered by Norman Baker (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 30 April 2012 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Bus Services: Fares

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if she will seek a guarantee from Arriva North East that bus fares will not be increased in the Tees Valley during 2012 and 2013.

Answer: Bus fares are not set by central Government. Local bus operators are free to set their own fares in the deregulated market. However, local transport authorities have the power to set maximum fares as part of a Quality Partnership Scheme and I suggest the hon. Member direct his suggestion to the relevant local council.In the recent paper Green Light for Better Buses, available in the House Library, the Government set out its plans to improve bus services through more targeted subsidy, by adopting the recent Competition Commission recommendations on regulation and ticketing to encourage competition in local bus markets, and by incentivising partnership working between bus operators and local transport authorities.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 106174; 543 c1273W
Session: 2010-12
Subjects: Bus services Fares
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk12050169000303