Cornwall's Franchising & Bus Reform Pilot

Description

Cornwall Council supports and maintains a comprehensive network of bus services, working closely with bus operators through an Enhanced Partnership to achieve outcomes for passengers set out in the Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP). Over half the network is financially supported by the authority and provided under a single subsidised contract requiring over 100 buses. The contract is due to be renewed in 2028. A separate gross cost contract is in place for the provision of Park & Ride services in Truro, using electric buses being purchased by Cornwall Council. Furthermore, Cornwall is participating in the Department for Transport's (DfT) Franchising and Bus Reform Pilot, enabling the investigation of different potential models of bus delivery, including and Enhanced Partnership Plus (EP+) and a variety of bus franchising approaches (with different levels of risk sharing between operators and authority; phasing; and procurement methods). With these considerations in mind, the Council wishes to invite operators to engage with it to help inform possible future approaches to achieve a viable and value for money bus network that meets the needs of residents and visitors.