Mayor to deliver bus franchising through phased approach following independent review

Mayor to deliver bus franchising through phased approach following independent review

A mayor-commissioned review into how best to deliver bus franchising in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough has concluded and set out a clear path forward. 

The Mayor will implement the review’s recommendation of a phased approach, starting in 2027, allowing the Combined Authority time to introduce franchising in stages, keeping overall services more stable, reducing risk and learning from schemes elsewhere in the UK.  

Under franchising, the Combined Authority sets routes, timetables and fares, with bus operators bidding for contracts to run services.  

Franchising offers the opportunity to deliver a simpler, more reliable, and more affordable network, including for rural communities. 

The independent review was chaired by Leon Daniels (pictured above with Mayor Paul Bristow), one of the UK’s most experienced public transport leaders. His work has resulted in a clear set of recommendations, focused on delivering the best outcome for the region. 

Crucially, this will not be a single, overnight change and franchising will be introduced step by step.  

A key priority throughout this transition will be to provide continuity of existing routes for passengers.  

Paul Bristow, said: “I took a hard look at how franchising would work here, and the original plans asked taxpayers to bear too much of the potential cost. That is not acceptable, and it is why I commissioned this review. 

“We are still on track, but we will do it responsibly, and according to these review recommendations. We will take a phased approach that reflects the reality of our area, learns from others, and builds something that works. 

“This has always been about getting it right. My focus remains on creating a bus network people can rely on and that is simpler, more joined up, and good value for money.”