Senior Traffic Commissioner launches consultation on local bus service performance standards
The Senior Traffic Commissioner for Great Britain has today launched a consultation to review how traffic commissioners assess the performance of local bus services, including punctuality, reliability and wider regulatory expectations.
The consultation seeks views from operators, local authorities, passenger groups and other stakeholders on whether current standards remain fit for purpose and how they should evolve to reflect changes in the industry, legislation and technology.
Statutory Document No. 14, which sets out how traffic commissioners approach regulatory action where services fail to meet expected standards, has not undergone a significant review for over a decade. The review forms part of the Traffic Commissioners’ strategic objective to ensure that statutory guidance remains relevant, proportionate and effective.
Reviewing bus punctuality and reliability standards
The consultation focuses in particular on whether the longstanding expectation that 95% of services operate within a window of one minute early to five minutes late remains appropriate in 2026
It also explores:
- how standards should apply to different types of services, including frequent and flexible routes
- what constitutes a ‘reasonable excuse’ for poor performance
- what positive actions by operators should be recognised as mitigation
In addition, the call for evidence considers whether clearer guidance is needed where performance falls below expectations, including the role of improvement plans before formal regulatory action is taken.
Wider regulatory considerations
The consultation also seeks views on a range of related regulatory matters, including:
- Compliance with Bus Open Data obligations: how traffic commissioners should respond where operators fail to meet their obligations under the Public Service Vehicles (Open Data) (England) Regulations 2020
- Traffic management: how powers under the Traffic Management Act 2004 could be used to obtain information from local authorities where network issues affect service performance
- Franchising arrangements: the appropriate regulatory response where services operate without the required authority in franchised areas
The consultation also examines how emerging technology, such as real-time passenger information, and evolving operating environments should influence regulatory expectations.
Collaboration and future standards
The Senior Traffic Commissioner has already engaged with stakeholders in developing the proposals and is now inviting broader input to help shape future guidance.
The aim is to ensure that the regulatory framework:
- supports reliable and efficient local bus services
- reflects modern operating conditions
- promotes fairness and consistency across the industry
Kevin Rooney, Senior Traffic Commissioner for Great Britain, said
“Local bus services play a vital role in connecting communities and supporting economic activity. It is important that our regulatory approach keeps pace with changes in the industry and continues to promote reliable and high-quality services for passengers.
“This consultation provides an opportunity for all stakeholders to share their views on how performance standards should be applied in the future. I encourage anyone with an interest to contribute.”
How to respond
The consultation is open to responses from individuals and organisations. Stakeholders are invited to submit their views on any of the questions set out in the document.
Responses can be submitted by email or post, with full details provided in the Local bus service performance standards: consultation - GOV.UK.
The evidence gathered will inform updates to statutory guidance and statutory directions issued by the Senior Traffic Commissioner.