Bus passengers asked for views on new champion

Proposals to create a bus passenger champion were published today by Transport Minister, Rosie Winterton.

The new champion would provide a more influential voice for bus passengers, who currently have no formal national representative.
To ensure the champion meets the needs of bus passengers the Department for Transport today launched a public consultation on the plans.

Rosie Winterton said:
"Two thirds of all public transport journeys are made by bus but currently bus passengers have no single formal representative to stand up for their interests. It is time that changed.

"The new bus champion will have a high profile role, representing bus passengers across England to make sure they are getting the service they deserve. It would ensure passengers' voices are heard when key decisions are being made and also put forward ideas about services for the future.

"We are already planning to give local authorities more powers to improve bus services in their areas through the Local Transport Bill. I hope that this, combined with the creation of the passenger champion, will help encourage more people on to the buses which in turn will reduce congestion and help tackle climate change."