Penalties for poor service

Once you have registered your service you must run it:

  • at the times you’ve said it would run
  • along the route you’ve registered

Penalties

If you do not run a reliable or punctual service the traffic commissioner can stop you from running the service - or even running any services at all.

The traffic commissioner can also fine you. The size of the fine is based on the number of vehicles you’re licensed to use.

If you provide the local bus service in England and Wales, you may also have to:

  • spend money on providing or improving local services or facilities
  • compensate passengers

You can appeal to the Upper Tribunal if you disagree with the traffic commissioner’s decision.

Read more about the standards for local bus services and how traffic commissioners expect you to operate.