Arriva welcomed the decision for the first bus franchising scheme outside London

Sunderland, UK, 6-11-2015 — /EuropaWire/ — Arriva has welcomed the decision of an independent board set up by the government to assess proposals for the first bus franchising scheme outside London.

The Quality Contract Scheme Board ruled that Nexus’s proposals for a Quality Contracts Scheme for buses in Tyne and Wear was unworkable.

Kevin O’Connor, Managing Director of Arriva UK Bus, said: “As one of the major operators in the north east, Arriva welcomes the outcome from the Tyne and Wear Quality Contract Scheme Review Board regarding the proposed bus franchise scheme for Tyne and Wear.

“This process has caused uncertainty but we strongly believe that to deliver for our passengers in the future we must have productive partnership working across the north east. All operators, politicians and local authorities should now move on and focus our combined energies on driving bus patronage through an effective, meaningful partnership.

“In the context of the Buses Bill and the devolution debate, we are clear that partnerships with PTEs and local authorities is the best way to drive benefits which will ultimately deliver continued innovation and investment for passengers.

“We look forward to playing our role in the months and years ahead.”

ENDS

ARRIVA GROUP

Group Communications, Arriva plc
Telephone +44 (0)191 520 4106

SOURCE: Arriva