a

the proposed scheme will result in an increase in the use of bus services (see subsection (9B)) in the area to which the proposed scheme relates,

b

the proposed scheme will bring benefits to persons using local services in the area to which the proposed scheme relates, by improving the quality of those services,

c

the proposed scheme will contribute to the implementation of the local transport policies of the authority or authorities,

d

the proposed scheme will contribute to the implementation of those policies in a way which is economic, efficient and effective, and

e

any adverse effects of the proposed scheme on operators will be proportionate to the improvement in the well-being of persons living or working in the area to which the proposed scheme relates and, in particular, to the achievement of the objectives mentioned in paragraphs (a) to (d).

2

A quality contracts scheme may not be made unless the authority or authorities—

a

have complied with the requirements of section 125,

b

in the case of a scheme for an area in Wales, have obtained the approval of the Welsh Ministers in accordance with section 126, and

c

in the case of a scheme for an area in England, meet the requirements of subsection (2A).

2A

The requirements are that the authority or authorities—

a

have published under section 126C(5) the request which they sent to the QCS board under section 126C(4), and

b

publish, in accordance with section 127(1A), a response prepared by them to the report published by the QCS board under section 126D(5) in relation to the scheme.

9A

The power to make a scheme jointly may be exercised only if—

a

all the authorities are local transport authorities for areas in England, or

b

all the authorities are local transport authorities for areas in Wales.

9B

The reference in subsection (1)(a) to increasing the use of bus services includes a reference to reducing, arresting or reversing decline in the use of bus services.