Since 1986, London’s buses have been under the franchise system while in the rest of the UK market has operated according to the free market. But this two-tier system is starting to change. Franchising in Greater Manchester is now under way and set to be complete by 2025.
While Manchester leads the way as the first UK city outside of London to take control of the bus system, other cities are beginning to follow suit. But West of England Metro mayor Dan Norris is yet to make such a commitment.
Bristol Live is campaigning for Better Buses for Bristol and we are calling on Mr Norris to start the ball rolling on taking back control of the buses in Bristol and creating a franchise system. But what would such a system look like in Bristol?
READ NEXT: 'I'd use buses if they were more reliable but now it's only as a last resort'
Greater local authority control
Under a franchised bus system bus routes, fares and timetables would be set by the transport authority, which is the West of England Combined Authority. This would mean that Mr Norris would be able to set bus timetables and routes according to the needs of passengers as opposed to the current free-market system, which allows private bus companies to set routes according to profitability.
This would mean that vital bus routes would not be scrapped because they were not making enough profit. It would allow for a variety of routes rather than the current system in Bristol, where buses tend to go to the city centre but are not often useful when travelling between different neighbourhoods within the city.
An integrated network
This will allow for tickets to be used across all modes of transport, regardless of the company which operates them. A daily cap can be set by the transport authority, meaning passengers can use any mode of transport throughout and once they reach the cap, they will not be charged any more.
This is already the case in London and by 2025, the system will be in place in Manchester across all the city’s buses, trams and rental bikes. In the west of England, franchising could mean that a similar daily cap is set.
In theory, if the buses were franchised, the WECA mayor could go even further and integrate the trains and even the Voi e-scooters. This would mean that passengers would not pay more than the daily ticket price, regardless of the type of transport or the company operating the service.
Private bus companies held accountable
Under a franchised bus network, the local transport authority would choose which companies to contract for services and would be able to issue financial penalties for poor service. Under the current system, complaints about the bus service can be made to the firm but there is no incentive for it to improve its service.
With financial penalties for poor service or under franchising, firms are more likely to respond to complaints and provide a better service to the public.
There will be a chance for smaller businesses to benefit
Currently there are very few buses in Bristol that are not First buses. Those not owned by First tend to be run by Stagecoach. In London there are a larger number of companies operating buses, This model means that companies can win local contracts based on the quality of the service they provide.
It increases passenger numbers
Since the 1980s , when London introduced a franchising system, passenger numbers have increased by 75 per cent. In the same period there has been a decline in passenger numbers in just about every other city.
It is better value for money
In Bristol, public money is being used to fund the buses. Private bus companies get 40 per cent of their funding from taxpayers, but are free to cut services and increase fares. While the government gave £130 million to private bus operators in 2022 to protect services, by April, Bristol will have 60 fewer bus services than it did in the previous year. Under franchising, the public has more autonomy on how the buses are run.
'Franchising on the table'
Responding to the calls for changes to buses, Mr Norris said franchising was "on the table but not quick a fix". He added under franchising, the region would still face a shortage of bus drivers, and Manchester had similar issues.
He said: “Creating a thriving bus network that residents can be proud of — one that is high-quality, affordable and, importantly, reliable — is something I always strive for. It is also essential if we are to reach our very ambitious net-zero-by-2030 targets. Franchising is on the table, and remains under ongoing review. But it’s certainly not a quick fix."
Calls for public control over Bristol buses are getting louder. Bristol City Council has voted for buses to be franchised and Bristol South MP Karin Smyth has called for buses to be taken under public control alongside local campaigners.
READ NEXT:
