Partnership & Franchising Models

The ongoing debate over who has control over local bus networks is somewhat polarised between those whose ideal is private enterprise and those whose desire is for political control. The arguments put forward for either approach can be unfounded and based on speculation or distorted ‘facts’.

Partnerships between bus operators and local authorities, whether formal or informal, do lead to improved services as each side capitalises on its strengths for the benefit of bus passengers. Updated legislation has determined what is permissible in a bus partnership and has expanded the range of agreements that can be made.

A franchise transfers the responsibility for service and fares specification to the local authority and removes current operators’ right to continue providing service. There are some clear benefits under a franchised regime – the ability to achieve a level of stability or consistency in fares levels, for example, but the transition will be difficult and franchising undoubtedly comes at a cost.

We also have experience of public transport operating regimes outside the British mainland under a variety of private and public ownership and operation models, including franchised networks and direct state or council operation.

We offer impartial advice on future approaches to network provision and their costs based on factual evidence. We will not skew findings to support a particular view.

If you would like to discuss this with us please contact our office on 01772 204988 or send us an email.