Cambridgeshire’s Largest Bus Transformation in 40 Years: Public Control
Hello, Champions of Net Zero!
Mayor Dr. Nik Johnson of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough has made an exciting announcement that is set to revolutionise the region’s bus system. The Mayor has unveiled plans to introduce a franchise model, which aims to bring bus services under greater public control. This move is expected to make the services more reliable, affordable, and focused on meeting the needs of passengers.
This decision marks the most significant change to the area’s bus network in over four decades. Under the new system, the Combined Authority will have the power to set fares, routes, timetables, and service standards. By collaborating with private bus operators under contract, they will ensure that these standards are effectively met. In contrast to the current deregulated system established by the 1985 Transport Act, franchising will allow profits to be reinvested into enhancing services.
The Mayor’s decision to opt for franchising came after the Combined Authority Board recommended this approach as the best way to reform the bus system. The alternative option, an Enhanced Partnership, would have allowed for closer collaboration with operators but would have left critical decisions in the hands of private companies.
Mayor Dr. Nik Johnson expressed his enthusiasm for the new direction, stating: “This is one of the most significant moments for local public transport in decades. For too long, private control of buses has led to ever-dwindling, unreliable services that don’t meet passenger needs, are becoming less affordable, and often require millions in public subsidy just to keep key routes operational. It is high time for change.”
He further added, “Bus franchising puts communities first. It gives us the power to design a network that works for the people of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, with better routes, more frequent services, and a focus on connectivity, not just what’s profitable for operators. This won’t happen overnight – franchising is a long-term project, and we have 40 years of poorly-regulated dysfunction to undo. But this decision is a major step towards a properly joined-up, high-quality public transport system that delivers faster, more reliable, and convenient journeys.”
Bus franchising will enable the Combined Authority to create a more integrated network with coordinated timetables and ticketing, improve services in rural areas, ensure communities are not left behind, encourage more people to use buses, reduce congestion, improve air quality, make services more accountable to local people, and put passengers ahead of commercial interests.
The decision to franchise the bus system follows an extensive public consultation conducted last year, where 63% of over 1,600 respondents supported the move. The Combined Authority’s Transport and Infrastructure Committee reviewed the consultation results and unanimously recommended franchising to the Mayor as the best approach to reform the region’s bus network.
The transition to franchising will be carefully managed to ensure a smooth rollout with minimal disruption. The first franchised services are expected to begin in late 2027. The Combined Authority will commence formal preparations for implementation, engaging with local communities, businesses, and transport stakeholders to keep them informed of progress. They will also work closely with bus operators to ensure a seamless transition to the new system.
A sustainable funding model will be developed, drawing from various sources such as revenue from bus fares, contributions from Cambridgeshire County Council and Peterborough City Council through the Transport Levy, the Mayoral Precept, and Government funding and grants.
Image credit: Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority
