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Local Transport Bill [Lords]

The Government have been getting it in the neck from both local government and the private sector, which may suggest to some that perhaps they are on the right track. Does the Minister agree that the Bill's success will be tested in how the bus companies and local authorities come together to solve the problems that exist in providing services to communities that are not well served by bus companies? The real test of the Bill's success when it is enacted will come when local authorities and the bus companies start seriously to talk together about improving services.