This topic is concerned with the use of powers by local authorities to secure public transport services by entering into service agreements with bus operators. They may only do so where there is, in their opinion, a public transport requirement not being satisfied by the free market and which will not be met unless they take the action of securing the service through payments to bus operators. The power to enter into a service agreement then usually becomes subject to a tendering process.
Employers' Duties
The key duties of the authority are to:
use the available powers and funding effectively to meet public transport needs where commercial services are not sustainable