Ministers set to reject attempts to extend new transport powers beyond mayoral authorities

The House of Lords successfully amended the Government’s Bus Services Bill last year, removing restrictions that limit new franchising powers to authorities with directly-elected metro mayors.

Labour MPs have been calling on ministers to uphold the changes, claiming that all communities should be allowed to benefit from greater control over their local bus services.

But as the legislation comes for its second reading in the Commons tomorrow the Department for Transport (DfT) has confirmed its intention to revert to the original Act.

The new bill aims to introduce a series of reforms designed to improve bus services and ticketing, as well as make it easier for passengers to access information about routes, fares and timetables.

It is understood that the new franchising powers would allow local transport authorities headed by a metro mayor to exert greater influence over which services are provided by private companies and where.

The Lords amendment automatically extended these powers to a whole raft of councils – including county and higher-tier district – rather than requiring them to seek special approval from ministers.

Arguing in favour of retaining the amendment, Labour shadow transport minister Daniel Zeichner told the Yorkshire Post it would help to reverse the “long-term decline in bus usage” and “bear down on rocketing bus fares”.

The Wakefield MP Mary Creagh added that it would guarantee “reliable, frequent, good value” services for areas like Yorkshire.

However, the DfT said the Government will seek to reverse the amendment as it is “not in the spirit of devolution deals” nor in the “interests of passengers”.

But it stressed non-mayoral authories will still be able to apply for franchising powers subject to approval from the Secreatry of State.