asked Her Majesty's Government:

What steps they are taking to reduce overcrowding on public transport; and what account they are taking of health and safety regulations in relation to overcrowding. [HL561]

The Government are tackling crowding on public transport through a combination of investment in additional capacity and improved use of existing capacity.

The carrying capacity of buses operated as public service vehicles is specifically controlled by the Public Service Vehicles (Carrying Capacity) Regulations 1984, and these are enforced by the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency.

In relation to rail transport, we look to the Office of Rail Regulation to enforce applicable health and safety legislation.