Legislation – Bus Services Act 2025

In section 123J (effect of local service contracts: registration requirements and provision of services), after subsection (4) insert—

“(4A)

Subsection (2) does not apply in relation to a local service which is provided under a service permit.”

In section 123P (service permits), after subsection (2) insert—

“(3)

The authority or authorities must inform a traffic commissioner of the grant of a service permit under this section.”

After section 123P insert—

“123PARegistration exemption for services provided under service permits

(1)

The franchising authority operating a franchising scheme, or the franchising authorities operating such a scheme acting jointly, may grant an exemption from registration in respect of any local service which is, or class of local services which are, provided under a service permit in the area to which the scheme relates.

(2)

Where such an exemption has effect, sections 6 to 9 of the Transport Act 1985 (registration of local services) do not have effect in relation to the service, or class of services, so far as operated in that area.

(3)

The franchising authority or authorities may vary or revoke an exemption granted by them under this section.

(4)

Where an exemption is granted, varied or revoked under this section, the franchising authority or authorities must—

(a)

publish, in such manner as they think fit, details of the grant, variation or revocation of the exemption, and

(b)

before the end of the period of 14 days beginning with the day on which the exemption is granted, varied or revoked, inform a traffic commissioner of the grant, variation or revocation of the exemption.”

In section 123S (revocation and suspension), after subsection (2) insert—

“(2A)

The franchising authority or authorities must inform a traffic commissioner of the revocation or suspension of a service permit under this section.”

In section 123V(1) (transitional provision about schemes), after paragraph (b) insert—

“(ba)

the application of section 123PA in relation to services or classes of services (registration exemption for services provided under service permits),”.