ROL.L Regulatory News (ROL)

RNS

17 May 2021

Rotala Plc

("Rotala" or the "Company" or the "Group")

Bus Service Improvement Plans

Rotala plc (AIM:ROL) welcomes the publication today of the latest paper from the Government on its plans for the reinvigoration of bus travel. This paper, called "National Bus Strategy: Bus Service Improvement Plans - Guidance to local authorities and bus operators", provides further detailed guidance on the National Bus Strategy for England set out in the paper called "Bus Back Better" published on 15 March 2021. A further guidance paper covering Enhanced Partnerships is expected to be published by the middle of the year.

Both papers published so far emphasise the need for both local authorities and bus operators to build on the close working relationships which have arisen between the two groups during the COVID-19 pandemic to deliver on the Government's vision for bus operation in England. The Government has enjoined local authorities and bus operators to move at speed in formulating Bus Service Improvement Plans, taking a lead from the planning lessons learned in the COVID-19 pandemic. The Government has also promised £3 billion of new investment in buses [sense?] to underpin its strategy.

Rotala welcomes all these announcements and intends to be a keen participant in these initiatives. The ultimate aim is both better bus services for customers and better customer satisfaction with the services provided. This can only be good for the long term health of the bus industry.

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About the business

Rotala provides a range of transport solutions, ranging from local bus services under contract to local authorities, through to commercial bus routes. Rotala has operations at Heathrow Airport, in the West Midlands and in the North West. Operating companies are Diamond Bus Ltd, Diamond Bus (North West) Ltd, Hallmark Connections Ltd and Preston Bus Ltd.