The UK government has published updated guidance on establishing bus franchising schemes for local transport authorities in England. This is part of its efforts to improve local bus services and strengthen public transport governance.
Issued by the Department for Transport (DfT), the guidance titled Setting up a bus franchising scheme explains the legal, procedural and practical steps authorities must follow to introduce franchised bus services under the Bus Services Act 2017 and the Bus Services Act 2025.
Bus franchising allows local transport authorities to take greater control over how bus services are planned and delivered in their areas. Under a franchising model, authorities can specify routes, timetables and fares, with services operated by private companies under contract, rather than being run on a fully commercial basis.
The updated guidance is intended to help authorities use franchising as a tool to deliver local transport priorities, including better service integration, improved reliability and clearer accountability. It sets out both statutory requirements, such as assessment, consultation and decision-making processes, and non-statutory best practice to support effective implementation.
The guidance is accompanied by a separate bus franchising manual, which provides practical support at each stage of the franchising process. This includes advice on preparing assessments, managing procurement and overseeing contracts once a scheme is in place.
Bus franchising is one of two formal options available to local authorities when working with bus operators. The alternative approach is an enhanced partnership arrangement, which involves voluntary agreements between authorities and operators to improve services without transferring full control to the public sector.
The guidance applies to England only and forms part of the government’s wider framework for reforming local bus services, giving authorities clearer pathways to shape networks that better meet the needs of passengers and local communities.
