The consultation on bus franchising proposals in Cambridgeshire has been extended by five days due to a technical issue with the website.
The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority has announced that the closing date for the public to air their views has been be changed from midnight on 20 November to 9am on 25 November.
The consultation has been running online and via a series of face-to-face events since 14 August.
Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Dr Nik Johnson has advocated bus franchising in the area. The financial case for an Enhanced Partnership model has also been put forward in the consultation document.
The Mayor’s decision is due on 22 January 2025.
Chief Executive of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority, Rob Bridge, says: “We are extending the bus franchising consultation to give everyone some more time to submit their views. Thank you again to all those who have taken part so far and, if you know someone who still wants to have their say, please let them know they now have more time to get involved.”
Meanwhile, the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Bus Alliance group of local operators has declared an agnostic view, while urging the public to give their feedback.
The association of A2B, Delaine Buses, Dews Coaches, Stagecoach East, Stephenson’s, Vectare and Whippet says: “How buses ultimately run – franchising or Enhanced Partnership – is not a matter for us, as bus operators. It is a matter for the people of Cambridgeshire to decide.
“All we want to do, though, is ensure that, in making that vital choice, and in considering the costs and risks associated with them, local people are as well informed as possible on your options.
“But most importantly of all, what worries us most, is simply that buses don’t move forward and, in order to ensure that buses do move forward, it is vital that you have your say.”
Stagecoach East MD Darren Roe, in an open letter, has also declined to support either model but called for a hastening of the process towards reforming bus services in the area.
He says: “As the largest bus operator in the region, my view is that the decision on franchising or Enhanced Partnership is one for our elected officials to make. As people who run local buses, we wake up every morning wanting to run the best bus service we can, and it is up to the elected officials to decide on the framework that takes place in.
“The franchising option has been on the local agenda since 2018 for the Combined Authority. It’s taken six years to finally get the case together and move to a formal consultation.
“To be honest, we need to get moving and get a decision either way. This has dragged on enough now and it needs to be sorted; bus operators need certainty to invest in vehicles and technology and bus users need to see real improvements to service levels.”
