Renewed calls for bus franchising following red tape-cutting new law

Bristol Liberal Democrats have today renewed their calls for a franchised bus network. The refreshed statement came as the new Bus Bill became law, which sets out to cut the red tape that has held back bus franchising.

Amongst the new measures of the Bus Services Act is a streamlined process for transport authorities seeking to franchise their bus networks. Areas that take on franchising should be able to do so quicker, due to changes such as the removal of a minimum period before services can be franchised and allowing the first franchise contracts to go to the incumber operator.

Bus franchising would allow authorities to have direct control over the bus network while allowing companies to operate the services. 

As it stands, the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) has power over the region bus services and operates an Enhanced Partnership model. This means that WECA does not have direct control over important decisions such as the setting of routes, timetables and fares. These are largely set by the companies running the buses. 

With franchising, control over these key aspects would be retained by WECA.

Cllr Nicholas Coombes (Liberal Democrat, Westbury-on-Trym and Henleaze) said:

“Bus franchising is an essential step to reform our bus service into one that works for Bristolians. Everything from routes, fares, schedules and service standards would be in the control of democratically elected representatives, and not at the whim of private bus companies that prioritise profits. 

“Getting people out of their cars and encouraging modal shift is a key priority for the city, and improving our public transport is essential to achieve this. Yet, I hear all the time of people’s frustrations with our bus services. We are stuck with routes that don’t fit people’s needs, far too many ‘ghost buses’ that never turn up, and rising fares.

“It’s time that the decisions on our buses that affect local people are made by the people elected to represent them - not in the corporate offices of private companies. WECA should seize this opportunity to fix our buses and start the process to franchise the service immediately.”

Notes to Editors:

• Government Press Release on the Bus Services Act: New era of better buses: Landmark Bus Bill becomes law - GOV.UK
• Bristol Lib Dems have long backed bus franchising. In 2022, they passed a motion urging WECA to launch a feasibility study into bus franchising: ModernGov - bristol.gov.uk
• Bristol Lib Dems have also previously run a petition backing bus franchising: Back Bus Franchising - Bristol Liberal Democrats