Opening Speech (Joint Board Amendment) Bill

Mr (Deputy) Speaker,

Today I present the house with an amendment to *[B010, the Local Transport Act 2014](//www.reddit.com/r/MHOC/comments/2gd621/b010_local_transport_bill_2014/).* In collaboration with my friend, the Green National MP /u/peter199, I would like to present a bill to this house that allows the creation of an additional type of transport board.

The idea behind ATOs, or Area Transport Organisations are to run local services, such as commuter links into an area and build on the work already done by regional and passenger transport boards. Previously, it would not be possible for both of these areas to have links between the areas without one party being unable to comment or influence their operation. In my local area of Brighton and Hove, many people commute into Brighton from the local area, this area extends outside the bounds of Brighton and Hove City Council, and therefore any Passenger Transport Board that would be created for them. Brighton borders West Sussex, and commuters from West Sussex come under an entirely different district and county council. Therefore, they would be under such a board as the Adur or West Sussex regional transport board. The same can be said for further east, or even just up the hill from my own home, where the boundary of Brighton and Hove City Council meets Lewes District.

Mr Speaker, I hope that members of the house will join me in recognising the importance of this idea, and the continuation of the great work of transport boards. Understandably, the wording of this bill may not be perfect, but I am more than sure the House will be able to make useful suggestions before a second reading.