Passenger group backs commitment to bus franchising for Cambridgeshire
A recommendation for a new bus system has been passed
A bus passenger group in Cambridgeshire has said improved services must give people a reason to use public transport.
The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority (CAPCA) agreed yesterday to put forward plans for the county's bus network to be franchised.
Member of the authority's transport and infrastructure committee voted unanimously in favour of bus franchising, which would allow the authority to take control over key decision-making on buses in the county, including routes, frequency of buses and days of operation.
Richard Wood's the secretary of the Cambridge Area Bus Users group:
"If any significant amount of public money is put in, it has to be that (franchising) model," he said.
"If it's done properly, it should bring greater stability to the network and give a much better sense that there is a network.
"You need to have a clear system where you say 'we want these routes running, if you don't run them to the desired standard of frequency, you are at risk of losing that contract'."
What is bus franchising?
Bus franchising means a transport authority takes on the decisions that bus operators would otherwise decide, such as how much a bus fare is.
In a paper submitted ahead of the transport and infrastructure committee meeting, members said reasons such as "decreasing patronage, exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic, alongside increasing operational costs, has brought us to a crossroads.
“Franchising presents a promising alternative to the current deregulated model, offering a pathway to a more coordinated, efficient, and user-focused bus network.
"This model aligns with the broader strategic objectives of CAPCA, including enhancing connectivity, supporting economic growth, fostering social inclusion and contributing to environmental sustainability."
Under a franchised system, bus operators would compete to run different services.
However, CAPCA warned that as well as needing financial support to run it, bus franchising could mean "navigating complex negotiations with existing operators and managing the associated political and operational risks".
The system is planned to be rolled out firstly in the Cambridge 'travel to work' area followed by North Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.
Buses must give people a reason not to drive
"Unless you're going draconian and force people out of cars, you've got to give them a really good public transport choices so a significant number of people say 'actually, I don't need to run this car'," Richard added.
"We need that tap on, tap off (ticketing system), understand you'll never pay more than this amount and if your journeys have come to less than that, you'll only be charged for your journeys.
"It gives confidence before you set out."
Mayor Dr Nik Johnson is due to make a decision on whether to impose bus franchising after a meeting of the Combined Authority's Board later this year.
A CAPCA spokesperson said: "Further work is being done on the business case and the Combined Authority expect to ask the Board to consider a recommendation to go out to public consultation on bus franchising in spring 2024.
"We remain committed to transforming the bus network across the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough region to deliver against the mayor’s bold vision for better buses.”