Plans to overhaul Cambridgeshire’s bus services will be introduced gradually from 2027, an independent review has advised.
The review – led by the man who oversaw transport infrastructure for the London 2012 Olympics – recommends a phased rollout of bus franchising rather than a single large-scale change.
The approach is designed to keep services running smoothly for passengers while allowing lessons to be learned from similar schemes elsewhere in the UK.
Bus franchising
Under a franchising system, the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority will set the routes, timetables and fares, while bus companies compete for contracts to operate services.
Supporters of the move say it could create a simpler, more reliable and more affordable bus network, with potential benefits for both urban areas and rural communities that often struggle with limited public transport options.
A key aim of the phased introduction will be to maintain existing routes wherever possible, to try and minimise disruption for residents who particularly rely on buses for work, education, shopping and healthcare appointments.
‘Phased approach’
Mayor Paul Bristow said he ordered the review after concerns that earlier proposals could leave taxpayers exposed to significant financial risks.
He said: “I took a hard look at how franchising would work here, and the original plans asked taxpayers to bear too much of the potential cost.
“We are still on track, but we will do it responsibly. We will take a phased approach that reflects the reality of our area, learns from others, and builds something that works.
“This has always been about getting it right. My focus remains on creating a bus network people can rely on and that is simpler, more joined up, and good value for money.”
The Combined Authority will now begin preparing for the staged introduction of franchising, with the first changes expected from 2027.
Leon Daniels, who led the review, was managing director of surface transport at Transport for London until his retirement in 2017. There, he was responsible for over £3.5bn of road, light rail and transport services and all major civil engineering infrastructure projects in the capital.
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