London freedom plan
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• PSV operators have given mixed reactions to Government plans, announced last week, to deregulate London's bus system in the next parliament.
Minibus pioneer Harry Blundred, who axed his Docldands Transit service last year after a wrangle over travel passes with London Buses, says the proposals will lead to a "great resurgence in bus service provision". '
But London operator Grey Green, which runs nine tendered routes for LB, says the plans will lead to a "free-for-all which will be detrimental to the public".
And the Labour-run Associa tion of London Authorities says deregulating will mean "additional rush-hour chaos to the city centre every morning and evening" with too many competing services at busy times and too few off peak.
Under the proposals, unveiled by Transport Secretary Malcolm Rifldrid, private bus companies will be able to compete on LB routes alongside LB buses. However, it is thought LB's own services will continue to operate with public funding until they are privatised, probably a year later.
Wright says he welcomes deregulation, but is anxious that there is control of pickingup and setting-down points in congested central London.
Perth-based Stagecoach, which has taken over several former municipal bus companies, says it is studying the Koposals carefully.
The Government's proposals, A Bus Strategy for London, are available from: DTp, Room S15/21, 2 Marsham Street, London SW1P 3EB.