The Local Transport Act 2008 contains provisions relating to voluntary partnership agreements (VPAs) between local transport authorities and bus operators, and certain other agreements in the bus market. These provisions come into force in England on 9 February 2009.

To support authorities and operators looking to make use of these provisions, the Department for Transport is today publishing guidance following consultation on a draft version last year. The guidance will be published on the Department’s website (www.dft.gov.uk/local transportact), and copies are available in the Libraries of both Houses.