COUNCILS will soon be able to punish bus operators who fail to reach agreed standards.
Powers were laid down in Parliament last week under the Transport Act 2000 come into force on October 26.
Councils will be able to specify standards in return for letting bus companies use facilities like bus lanes, upgraded stops and shelters.
If the standards fall short, the use of such facilities could be removed.
Also, under 'quality contacts' councils will be able to set the fare and routes before a contact is tendered, subject to ministerial approval.
Sally Keeble, Local Transport Minister, said: "We want to see more regular and reliable bus services that will attract increasing numbers of passengers.
"Local authorities now have a wider choice of powers to help them implement their local transport plans and bus strategies.
"I hope that they will seek to work closely with bus operators to achieve this."
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