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Public Transport

Volume 460: debated on Tuesday 22 May 2007

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he plans to take to increase the role of social enterprise organisations in the provision of public transport. (138266)

The Department of Transport launched a report in November 2006 which looks at the role of social enterprise in community transport. We are working with the Plunkett Foundation and the Community Transport Association on taking the recommendations forward.

Social enterprise organisations which do not operate with a view to profit may benefit from the proposals set out in “Putting Passengers First” concerning vehicles operated under permits under section 19 or 22 of the Transport Act 1985. Essentially these changes would allow more flexibility as to vehicle size and would allow drivers of buses on section 22 services to be paid. Putting Passengers First may be found on the Department’s website (www.dft.gov.uk).