14 November 2007
SPT launches bus wardens scheme
Bus inspectors start work in Paisley
Note to picture editors: click here to download a high-res version of this pic. Caption: "The Launch of SPT's Bus Wardens Scheme: SPT Chair Cllr Alistair Watson, Traffic Commissioner for Scotland Joan Aitken and Renfrewshire Councillor Marie McGurk, with the bus inspectors at work in the background." Credit pic to Peter Devlin.
Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) today (Wednesday 14 November) launched its Bus Wardens Scheme to raise bus standards in Paisley.
During the pilot scheme, SPT's six service compliance inspectors will work on behalf of Renfrewshire Council and the Traffic Commissioner for Scotland, to make sure that bus companies comply with bus industry regulations.
The bus wardens will target "cowboy bus operators" in a bid to improve the standard of bus provision in Paisley town centre.
Chair of SPT, Councillor Alistair Watson said: "We just want to make sure bus operators are doing what they've agreed to do. The bus wardens will ensure operators run the services they have registered with the Traffic Commissioner and to the standard required.
"Those who are adhering to the rules have absolutely nothing to worry about. It's the rogue operators who are infringing conditions who will have to raise their game or pay the price."
Among the areas where action can be taken to enforce compliance are:
- Operators publishing a timetable;
- Operators running to timetable;
- Operators giving clear information of bus destinations and ownership of buses;
- Operators having fleet colours, recognisable buses and uniformed staff.
The bus wardens have the power to insist that drivers switch off engines if the bus is caught in stationary traffic for more than two minutes. Buses will no longer be allowed to park up in the town with their engines running and the SPT inspectors are empowered to move buses on from bus stops as soon as passengers have boarded.
If irregularities are detected, findings will be reported to the Traffic Commissioner who has powers to fine operators for non compliance and ultimately to withdraw licences.
The Traffic Commissioner of Scotland, Joan Aitken, praised SPT for the priority it is showing Strathclyde's bus users.
She said: "More people depend on bus travel in Strathclyde than any other area of Scotland. Passengers need to know that the bus will turn up when it is meant to and in a safe and pleasant condition. I want bus passengers to know who is running their bus, where it is going, that it is safe to get on, that it will run on time.
"I hope this initiative will spell the end to poor performing operations in the west of Scotland. I want to know that bus operators are obeying the law, not breaking it. So I want an end to drivers eating, drinking, smoking or using mobile phones when they should be giving full attention to the road and their passengers. I want buses to show clearly where they are going. I want it to be clear who is operating which service.
"Most of all I want the reliability of buses which come when they are meant to come. I want well maintained smart buses which don't break down. I want good timetable information at bus stops. I know that there are good operators in Strathclyde and great drivers who go out of their way to assist their passengers. I want all passengers to have a good experience of taking the bus. I want full commitment to the passenger."
Councillor Marie McGurk, Convenor of Renfrewshire Council's Environment and Infrastructure Board added: "Bus services have to improve if we're going to encourage people to leave their cars at home and use public transport. Too often passengers are faced with constantly changing timetables and buses that just don't turn up when they should.
"The travelling public deserve a better service and these new wardens are here to make sure they get it."
SPT's Director of Bus Operations Eric Stewart said: "There is a clear public perception that quality must improve and, while the majority of private operators attempt to provide a good level of service, standards across the Strathclyde area are not consistent. What we are trying to do here is make sure that passengers will be guaranteed first-class service no matter which bus operator they use."
ends
Notes to editors
- Negotiations are also on-going with South Lanarkshire and Glasgow City Councils for similar operations in Hamilton and Glasgow City centre.
- The Traffic Commissioner for Scotland is one of eight in the UK, appointed by the Secretary of State for Transport. They are responsible for licensing operators of bus and coach vehicles and the registration of local bus services.
- Initially SPT has recruited six service compliance inspectors. However, this number could reach up to 20 in the future.