https://www.gov.uk/government/news/trans...generation
There's also a consultation that has been launched on draft new guidance: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultati...g-guidance
The key takes from me seem to be:
- Bus franchising opened up to all local transport authorities - previously this was Mayoral authorities only.
- LTAs that aren't Mayoral authorities still need to seek Secretary of State approval to proceed.
- Simplified guidance will be delivered to allow a speeding up of the process of franchising, along with the cost of developing the scheme.
- Any authority that has already published a notice of intent on or after 4 July 2024, would fall under the new guidance. This includes North East Mayoral Region, where the notice of intent is dated 8 August 2024.
Following the Statutory Instrument to deliver the above, they've also spoken about the Buses Bill that'll soon be presented to Parliament. This was part of the King's speech. It was mentioned that this will include:
- A reform of funding, including for those councils who don't want franchising.
- the Ban on municipal operators to be lifted.
- Further changes to make bus franchising even quicker and easier to deliver.
- Something on accessible travel.
Hopefully this will help speed up the process massively, as the worry is there'll be nothing left, the way some networks are being ran into the ground.