44Emergency operation, &c., of regular passenger services

44 Emergency operation, &c., of regular passenger services

(1)  This section applies if the Secretary is satisfied that –

(a) a regular passenger service for which there is a pressing need is not being operated; or

(b) a regular passenger service for which there is a continuing and pressing need is in imminent danger of being permanently, temporarily or intermittently withdrawn; or

(c) there is a pressing need for a regular passenger service to be operated as an interim measure, pending the execution of a suitable passenger service contract under section 46 .

(2)  The Secretary may enter into one or more passenger service contracts to ensure the operation of the service.

(3)  [Section 44 Subsection (3) amended by No. 28 of 2020, s. 17, Applied:30 Dec 2020] For the purposes of subsection (2) , the Secretary may adopt whichever of the following procedures the Secretary considers more expedient in the circumstances:

(a) invite any bus operators to contract;

(b) call for expressions of interest from bus operators and select the most suitable expression of interest.

(4)  In contracting under this section, the Secretary is not obliged to –

(a) make determinations as to the sustainability of the relevant service; or

(b) consult any industry bodies or other persons.