Hertfordshire County Council (HCC) has announced it has been awarded £1.064 million via the government’s Bus Reform and Franchising Pilots scheme to progress an assessment into bus reform.
The funding is further to an award of £360,000 made last year to the council as part of the first stage of the process.
Having submitted further proposals to the Department for Transport, the council will next undertake a detailed Statutory Franchising Assessment.
HCC, which is one of five councils and combined authorities known to be taking part in the scheme investigating various avenues of bus reform, has specified franchising as the means under consideration.
The funding package is designed to gather intelligence on the effectiveness of various models of bus franchising, focusing primarily on rural areas.
Work already undertaken by the council has found that North and East Hertfordshire, including Stevenage, could be the most suitable area within the county to test the approach.
The assessment will begin in August and include detailed analysis, engagement with stakeholders and public consultation before any decision is taken.
“Good bus services are essential for connecting people with jobs, education, healthcare and leisure opportunities, and they play a key role in supporting sustainable growth across Hertfordshire,” says Councillor Steve Jarvis, Leader of Hertfordshire County Council.
“This funding will allow us to explore how we can improve bus services for residents and ensure our communities are better connected.
“Once we have done this, decisions on future services will be based on robust evidence, thorough consultation and a clear understanding of what will deliver the best bus services for Hertfordshire’s residents.”
Cumberland Council and Westmorland and Furness Council, Cornwall County Council, York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, and Chester West and Cheshire Council have been reported to be taking part in the scheme.
