About the consultation
We recognise just how important buses are, which is why we believe the way the region’s buses are run needs to change. We want to address the current challenges including the performance of local bus services. Now is the time for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough to review how its buses are operated, to improve services for all.
We are holding a formal consultation which will inform a decision by the Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough on how to reform buses across the area. Please read the consultation document as this will give you important and useful background information.
The bus franchising consultation runs from Wednesday 14 August and has now been extended until 9am on Monday 25 November 2024. Your views matter, so please get involved and have your say.
Do you want to take part but are in need of assistance such as a large print version or translated copy?
have your say
How to complete the consultation questionnaire
Please read the consultation document as this will give you important and useful background information.
Complete the consultation questionnaire.
Click on the survey below you wish to complete and follow with the Consultation Document. Doing it this way is quickest and easiest.
The short questionnaire
This has 10 questions and is for you to tell us about the key things we would like to hear about. This questionnaire takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes to answer.
The long questionnaire
This is mainly for stakeholders and statutory consultees, those with a good level of knowledge and interest in the bus market and how it runs. It has 31 questions and this questionnaire takes approximately 1 to 1hr 30mins to answer.
If you would like to print out the consultation documents and post your response to us, please call 01480 277180 and we will arrange to send you a FREEPOST envelope. All survey returns to the following address:
Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority
Bus Franchising Consultation, 2nd Floor, Pathfinder House, St Mary’s Street, Huntingdon, Cambs, PE29 3TN
Our vision for Better Buses
We commissioned independent transport consultants, ITP, to undertake a detailed assessment of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough’s transport needs and to provide an outline business case assessment for bus reform. Two approaches have been outlined in the assessment: a Franchising solution and an Enhanced Partnership (EP).
Under a franchised network, the Combined Authority would contract private bus operators to run services on its behalf but have control over the routes, frequency, fares and overall standards of the region’s buses. The assessment concludes that an alternative Enhanced Partnership solution, while producing benefits over the current bus service provides less control over the routes, frequency and overall delivery of the services. This means, as a result, while both an Enhanced Partnership and Franchising can provide enhanced networks, franchising offers the region more control to specify the desired network, levels of service and integrated fares and ticketing, ensuring a more unified and accessible network.
Franchising also allows CPCA to deliver its strategic objectives; to have full influence over outcomes and the efficient delivery of bus service improvements to passengers and bus network changes. The assessment concludes that an EP is less likely to deliver the strategic outcomes as it leaves key decisions around the network in the hands of bus operators (as per the status quo) with any outcomes subject to negotiations with them. As required by the law, we got an auditor to check ITP’s assessment.
Before a final decision is made, we are required by law to seek views from statutory consultees such as bus companies, the police and the bus regulator (the Traffic Commissioner). We also want to hear views from the public.
Next Steps
Once the consultation has finished, the responses will be analysed. Your views count because they will be used to inform a decision by the Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, Dr Nik Johnson, on whether to introduce bus franchising as a different way to run buses across the region. A decision is due to be made on Wednesday 22 January 2025; however this may be subject to change. The Combined Authority will then publish a report setting out our response to the consultation findings and it will include the Mayor’s decision.
You can follow news about the consultation in the Latest news section, or by subscribing to our e-newsletter to receive updates
Contact us
There are several ways you can get in touch with the consultation team:
