Mayor signs off publicly-run bus services

A mayor has signed off plans to franchise local bus services and ultimately take control over various routes in the area.

Nik Johnson, of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA), said the decision was a "major step" towards more reliable bus travel.

The CPCA said it would have more power to set timetables, routes and fares, taking those decisions out of the hands of private companies.

The first publicly-run routes could begin in late 2027.

"This is one of the most significant moments for local public transport in decades," said Johnson.

"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."

Currently, bus services in Cambridgeshire are run by private operators, which can cut or withdraw routes if they feel they are not commercially viable.

Under the new system, these operators would still bid to run services, but the CPCA would control the routes and oversee standards.

A public consultation held between 14 August and 20 November found 63% of more than 1,600 respondents were in favour of franchising.

The CPCA said the transition would be "carefully managed".

It is planning engagement with local communities, businesses and other transport organisations, including bus firms.

The CPCA said services would be funded through bus fares, contributions from Cambridgeshire County Council and Peterborough City Council, as well as the mayor's council tax and government funding.

According to a report written up for the combined authority, the operational costs for franchising would be £9.65m.

New legislation introduced in 2017 gave combined authorities the power to take over bus services, such as in Greater Manchester, which became fully franchised earlier this year.

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