47Variation of independently operated regular passenger services

47 Variation of independently operated regular passenger services

(1)  This section applies if the Secretary is satisfied that an independently operated regular passenger service needs to be varied, whether as to the route, the frequency or reliability of service, passenger stops, the vehicles used or in other respects.

(2)  The Secretary is to –

(a) notify the service operator of the necessary operational variations; and

(b) allow the service operator a reasonable period, of not less than 60 days, in which to implement them.

(3)  If, by the end of the reasonable period under subsection (2)(b) , the service operator has not implemented the necessary operational variations to the Secretary's satisfaction, or entered into an arrangement with the Secretary to do so –

(a) the Secretary may enter into one or more passenger service contracts to ensure that the service is operated to a standard that is consistent with the necessary operational variations; and

(b) in so contracting, the Secretary is not obliged to consult, or consider the impact on, the service operator.

(4)  In this section –

independently operated regular passenger service means a regular passenger service being operated without a passenger service contract or any form of government subsidy.