To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what advice his Department provides to local authorities on taking account of the views of local residents in the provision of bus services. (271212)

Local authorities plan their policies on the provision of bus services in the context of their local transport plans. Guidance from the Department for Transport advises widespread consultation on these plans. In addition, S108 of the Transport Act 2000, as amended by S9 of the Local Transport Act 2008, places certain statutory requirements on local transport authorities, including the obligation to consult organisations appearing to the authority to be representative of the interests of users of transport services and facilities in their area.