The Minister of State for Transport (Mr Sadiq Khan):  The Local Transport Act 2008 includes powers for the Secretary of State to confer additional functions on Passenger Focus (formally known as the Rail Passengers’ Council – the statutory rail passenger watchdog) so it can represent bus, coach and tram passengers.  The Act also enables secondary legislation to be made requiring certain persons to display certain information relating to public transport.

The Department for Transport is today publishing a consultation on a draft Order to extend Passenger Focus’ remit and draft Regulations requiring bus and coach operators to display information on their vehicles about who passengers should contact if they want to make a complaint.  Copies of the consultation materials will be made available on the Department’s website (www.dft.gov.uk/consultations), and are being placed in the Libraries of the House.