Contents - SPAD

5. The Transition of the Bus Network
5.1) Introduction
This chapter outlines the process of how to move from the „existing provision‟ of bus services to a
„future provision‟ and how that this can be achieved. The chapter focuses on what are deemed to
be the key objectives and policies for moving the region forward, to identifying and highlighting
the most effective method of industry regulation for the bus industry locally, as well as a number
of additional operational factors which should contribute towards achieving the vision for LPT for a
safe, reliable, efficient, responsive, accessible, planned, integrated, affordable and sustainable
LPT system to enhance socio-economic development and quality of life.
The process of developing the bus network will need to recognize the role of bus services in the
integrated hierarchy of LPT provision in GKL/KV and address both the way in which bus service
provision integrates with rail modes and the process of bus service adaptation to meet the phased
introduction of MRT lines and present and enhanced other rail facilities.
5.2) The Need for Change
This document has outlined a number of key concerns relating to the current provision of bus
services in the region. The previous chapters highlighted the future role for bus and the
expectations placed upon the bus network. In order to achieve this there is a fundamental need to
move to a revised structure in the delivery of bus services both on the road and in terms of
regulation and procurement as the existing structure fails to enable effective planning to take
place. It also requires the delivery of bus services to be properly coordinated in order to achieve
the levels of consistency and integration required for bus to take up its rightful role in the wider
spectrum of LPT provision. In order for the change to an improved bus industry to be effective, and
to meet the government‟s key policies and objectives, it is important that a considered transition
process takes place. This transition results in a number of steps that need to take place in order to
meet these challenging targets.
5.3) Bus Industry Transition Process
Given the current state of bus service provision in GKL/KV, it will be impossible to make effective
changes in a single exercise. Effective progress towards high quality integrated bus services
requires the measured development of technical capacity in the planning and regulatory bodies and
in the actual operation of bus services. Thus in order to fully ensure that the industry moves
forward and meets its objectives in terms of supporting key policies for the public sector, it is
important that a set of stages are considered in delivering the necessary reform required by the
travelling public and to meet commercial needs of the operators, and that this „staged‟ approach is
undertaken to deliver a smooth transition process.
Not only has SPAD embarked on a process of technical capacity development there are also very
many regulatory, contractual and administrative procedures to establish. The transition process
need to be efficient, convenient, and attractive. These processes need to evolve as the result of a
dialogue between SPAD and the providers. For these reasons it would also be inappropriate to
introduce processes and measures at a single implementation date, instead there is merit in
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