Plans to bring local bus services under public control approved
The Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, Nik Johnson, has approved plans to bring local bus services under public control. This decision marks a major shift in how transport is managed, aiming to improve reliability and accessibility for passengers.
Under the new franchising system, the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA) will oversee key aspects of the bus network, including routes, timetables, and fares. Private operators will still run buses but under contracts awarded by the CPCA, ensuring public oversight of service quality. This replaces the current system, where private companies set routes based on profitability.
“This is one of the most significant moments for local public transport in decades,” said Mayor Johnson. “We now have the power to design a network that serves the people of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, with better routes, more frequent services, and a focus on connectivity, not just profit.”
The decision follows a public consultation held between August and November last year. Of the 1,600 respondents, 63% supported franchising. The CPCA has pledged to work closely with communities, businesses, and transport groups to ensure a smooth transition.
The project will cost an estimated £9.65 million to operate. Funding will come from bus fares, contributions from Cambridgeshire County Council and Peterborough City Council, the mayor’s council tax levy, and central government support. The first publicly managed routes could launch by late 2027.
Cambridgeshire joins other regions, such as Greater Manchester, which fully franchised its bus network under 2017 legislation. Supporters argue that public control leads to better integration with wider transport networks and prevents essential services from being cut for commercial reasons.
Currently, private companies operate Cambridgeshire’s buses with little obligation to maintain unprofitable routes. The new system aims to prevent abrupt service withdrawals, ensuring transport meets residents’ needs rather than market demands.
As the CPCA moves forward, the challenge lies in managing the transition effectively and delivering the promised improvements. However, for many residents, a more accountable and structured bus service is a welcome step forward.ts, the prospect of a more accountable and structured bus service is a welcome development.
