The Combined Authority is asking for views on the future of the region’s buses with the launch of its bus franchising consultation from 12 noon today (Wednesday 14 August 2024).

The 14-week consultation will be open until 20 November 2024 for everyone to take part, either online, via a series of face-to-face events, or by post. It will inform a decision by the Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough on how to reform buses across the area.

Anyone can take part in the consultation. Families, students and older people who either rely on the bus, or who could benefit from the bus in the future, are being encouraged to participate, as well as statutory consultees, employers and other stakeholders.

The consultation web page: https://cpca-yourvoice.co.uk/bus-franchising-consultation/ will be live from midday and will host all the relevant consultation documents, together with a questionnaire. There are two versions of the questionnaire – a short version comprising 10 questions and a long version comprising 31 questions- and people can choose which one they want to complete, in line with practice elsewhere in the country on this consultation.

Details of drop-in events at locations around the region will be listed on the site during the consultation.

Chief Executive of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority, Rob Bridge, said: “The start of our bus franchising consultation, which will help decide the future of buses in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, is a key step towards improving services for our local communities. The way our buses are currently operated is going to change so this consultation matters. We really want to hear from as many people and organisations as possible, so don’t miss out and make sure you have your say.”

The Combined Authority commissioned independent transport consultant, 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).

The consultation compares a franchising solution with an Enhanced Partnership approach. Under a franchised network, the Combined Authority would contract bus operators to run services on its behalf but have control over the routes, frequency, fares and overall standards of the region’s buses. 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.

Paper copies or large print versions of the consultation documents will be available, and people will also be able to request a copy in the following languages: Polish, Lithuanian, Portuguese and Urdu. It will also be possible to download the consultation documents and submit responses by post.

Statutory consultees will be contacted directly and the Combined Authority plans to use various ways to engage with people during the 14 weeks, including, letters, briefings, newsletters, face-to-face events, focus groups, research (online surveys), media, social media, posters and leaflets at bus stations.