Everything you need to know about bus franchising

Improving the UK’s bus services has been top of the political agenda in recent years. In September, the new Labour government announced a package of reforms and a new Bus Services Bill expected before the end of the year. Locally, metro mayors such as Mayor Andy Burnham and Mayor Steve Rotheram have made improving bus services a policy priority. Central to the discussion both nationally and locally is the expansion of the ‘bus franchising’ model around the country. 

This resource by Centre for Cities provides answers to some common questions about bus franchising, including the options available for bus reform, the current state of franchising around the country, and the potential risks of the model.