Devolution is fundamentally changing who plans, funds and controls bus services. This presentation cuts through the policy to explain what new Strategic and Mayoral Authorities mean in practice for governance, funding flexibility, cross boundary services and outcomes for passengers. Arup's recent study for Transport for the South East is used as the basis for presenting data which provides insight into the implications of the Government’s devolution agenda and bus legislation on the management and funding of public bus services.

Speakers:
Gwyn Ephraim
Associate Director, Arup

Gwyn has worked for over 30 years in transport planning, mainly involving street-based transport (pedestrian, bus, bus rapid transit, tram, cars/road vehicles). He has worked on a permanent basis in the UK, Germany, USA, Abu Dhabi and Ireland, and led studies from strategy level to implementation. His work includes bus network design, bus infrastructure and priority systems (including major international BRT systems planning), bus operational planning, bus tendering and contracts, bus depot and terminal planning, park & ride, demand responsive transport, as well as multi-modal area-wide modelling and economic/financial business case assessments. Gwyn has led Arup's work on developing the rationale and business case for bus reform and franchising in the UK, moving from a de-regulated regime.

Rhys Millier
Associate, Arup

Rhys has a strong technical grounding in transport planning and project management, with 17 years’ experience spanning both public and private sectors in the UK and New Zealand. His more recent roles have centred on transport governance, major capital programme assurance, process evaluations, and the design of robust programme and project controls, supporting authorities in England as they expand their devolved transport powers and responsibilities.

He has worked with clients such as Department for Transport, Transport for West Midlands, West of England Combined Authority and National Highways.