South Yorkshire Bus Franchising
Mar 5, 2024 18:31:58 GMT
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Post by wirewiper on Mar 5, 2024 18:31:58 GMT
Bus franchising has been recommended by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) as the preferred method of reforming bus services in South Yorkshire. Four potential options for franchising were considered, alongside Enhanced Partnership (which is already in place) and Enhanced Partnership Plus. SYMCA board members will be asked to approve an independent audit of the proposed franchising scheme.
SYMCA says that the region's bus network has experienced a continual decline, and has become increasingly reliant on public finding to maintain service levels. Bus services have also suffered from “sustained under-investment in customer service standards.”
The four franchising options revolve around different combinations of ownership of vehicles and depots. The Authority favours ownership of both vehicles and depots by the Authority and sees this as the most affordable option. SYMCA would take over 'legacy fleets' and would be able to offer bidders full access to assets, potentially allowing new operators to enter the market and encouraging financially competitive bidding. “Franchise Packages” would be offered in stages and different sizes should reregulation progress.
South Yorkshire is one of four Authorities where bus franchising has been advocated. The process is already underway in Greater Manchester and has been confirmed for Liverpool City Region. West Yorkshire is due to make an announcement imminently and is also expected to give the go-ahead to franchising.
www.route-one.net/news/bus-franchising-in-south-yorkshire-is-recommended-as-path-of-reform/
SYMCA has released a summary paper, outlining the decision process in more detail.
governance.southyorkshire-ca.gov.uk/documents/s15959/12.%20Bus%20Reform.pdf
SYMCA says that the region's bus network has experienced a continual decline, and has become increasingly reliant on public finding to maintain service levels. Bus services have also suffered from “sustained under-investment in customer service standards.”
The four franchising options revolve around different combinations of ownership of vehicles and depots. The Authority favours ownership of both vehicles and depots by the Authority and sees this as the most affordable option. SYMCA would take over 'legacy fleets' and would be able to offer bidders full access to assets, potentially allowing new operators to enter the market and encouraging financially competitive bidding. “Franchise Packages” would be offered in stages and different sizes should reregulation progress.
South Yorkshire is one of four Authorities where bus franchising has been advocated. The process is already underway in Greater Manchester and has been confirmed for Liverpool City Region. West Yorkshire is due to make an announcement imminently and is also expected to give the go-ahead to franchising.
www.route-one.net/news/bus-franchising-in-south-yorkshire-is-recommended-as-path-of-reform/
SYMCA has released a summary paper, outlining the decision process in more detail.
governance.southyorkshire-ca.gov.uk/documents/s15959/12.%20Bus%20Reform.pdf