Bus Service Registration Process

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Local bus service operators must register the details of their service with the Traffic Commissioner. This includes the timetable and route. A copy of the registration must also be sent to each local authority in whose area the service will operate whether the service is; New, Variation or Cancellation. The Goverment's Business Link site has more information about local bus services.

Bus services should be registered with a minimum of 56 days notice. Registrations may be granted at "short notice", usually the support of the relevant local authority is required along with one of the following reasons:

• The change is in the week which includes 24-25 Dec, Good Friday or any bank holiday (21 days notice required.)
• You are replacing a substantially similar service by another operator (name the operator.)
• The service is not public or not much used by the public (eg school bus.)
• At the request of an LA or police on safety grounds or traffic regulation (evidence required.)
• A special occasion or event for a period of no more than 21 days' duration (name the occasion.)
• The change is of no more than 10 minutes or to connect with an altered rail, ferry or air service (name the service.)
• The change is for 14 days or less, for the period of a local holiday (give details.)
• There is a need to meet an urgent or exceptional transport requirement (give details.)
• Unforeseen circumstances (explain.)

Changes to Commercial Services

Under the Transport Act 1985 (Deregulation), bus companies are free to operate services which they consider to be commercially viable. The company decides which type of vehicle to provide, which route to follow and which stops to serve, how frequent the service will run and how much to charge in fares.

They do not need to seek authority to start, alter or withdraw part or all of such services, nor is there any authority to oblige them to run services or sections of service, which they believe to be unprofitable. They are, however, required to give notice of their intentions both to the Traffic Commissioner (part of the Government Department for Transport) and to the relevant Council(s).

Changes to Supported Services

Where a bus company is unable or unwilling to run a service on a commercial basis, the Council has the power to secure the provision of services by allocating financial support. These "socially necessary" services are operated by bus companies under contract to the Council and the Council, not the bus company, determines the type of vehicle to be operated, the route, stopping places, timetable and fares.

Viewing Bus Service Registrations

Any registration may be inspected at the office of the Traffic Commissioner during public business hours and copies of registrations can be sent by post or fax to any interested party upon prior receipt of a written request together with a fee of £3.00 per copy for posted copies or £5.00 per copy for faxed copies. Correspondence should be addressed to:

North Western Traffic Area Office,
Hillcrest House,
386 Harehills Lane,
Leeds,
LS9 6NF

Telephone: 0870 60 60 440
Fax: 0113 249 8142

For further information please contact:

Cheshire East Transport
Cheshire East Council
Delamere House
Delamere Street
Crewe
Cheshire
CW1 2LL

0300 123 55 00 Monday to Friday 8:30 to 17:00 (for bus and train times call Traveline on the number below.)