The Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT) has published a handbook for local transport authorities (LTAs) to assist them in deciding which bus regulatory model best suits their local needs.
Models for delivery of local bus networks, which was developed in conjunction with Frontier Economics, is designed to show councils that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to improving bus services.
The launch of the guidance, which is accompanied by an Excel toolkit, follows the passing into law of the Bus Services Act on 27 October.
That legislation gives cities and towns additional powers over bus services in their areas.
It could lead to more authorities pursuing bus franchising, although it will also make changes to the Enhanced Partnership model to increase flexibility.
Endorsed by the Department for Transport (DfT), ATCO, and ADEPT, the CPT handbook will allow LTAs to evaluate the best bus regulatory model by using an eight-step process.
Those stages are defined as: articulate vision for bus services, make case for improvement, define options to compare, assess pros and cons of options, detailed analysis of preferred option, consult and refine design, implement the option, monitor and evaluate.
It uses examples to highlight the various options available, which include Enhanced Partnerships (EP) and Evolved Enhanced Partnerships, the latter bringing “broad commercial freedom for operators but shared decisions with local authorities on fares, ticketing, network and timetable”.
Various approaches to franchising are also outlined, including the “shared risk/Jersey” model. The “grow it out” approach, in which tendered services are franchised as a first step with a view to more global application later, is also considered.
“Micro-franchising”, which applies franchising to a tightly defined area but has an EP operating elsewhere, is another outlined.
The “phased franchising” model can be used in areas of most need, CPT highlights.
Meanwhile, a “hybrid” model using features of the aforementioned approaches is also explored.
The handbook allows authorities to consider factors including “passenger priorities, operating cost pressures, net zero goals, local transport authority capacity and capability, and how the preferred model may interact with different models in other areas”.
The Excel workbook includes a multi-criteria decision analysis tool to objectively score the prospective values of the various alternatives to their areas.
CPT Director of Policy and External Relations Alison Edwards says: “There is more than one way to run a bus network. When it comes to England’s 79 widely varying local transport authorities, one size doesn’t fit all.
“While bus passengers in some parts of the country may benefit from a franchised model with strong central control, services in other towns and cities are likely to prosper under Enhanced Partnerships with more commercial freedom for bus operators.
“That’s why we’ve worked with Frontier Economics to give local authorities clarity over the choices they have and an evidence-based toolkit to help them decide the best model for their area. We want to make sure buses are the best they can be for the 11 million journeys people make every day – getting the model right is the first step to making that happen.”
CPT points out that the Bus Franchising Manual and EP guide from DfT will also soon be available.
Minister for Roads and Buses Simon Lightwood MP adds: “Our landmark Bus Services Act has finally put the power over bus services in the hands of local leaders, letting them decide exactly how to run their bus networks for the benefit of passengers, not profit.
Our vital legislation paves the way for better bus services that best connect people to jobs, education and opportunity – all central to our Plan for Change – and I’m pleased to see the publication of this handbook and toolkit, which will help leaders make the best decisions for their communities.”
