To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to the National Bus Strategy, what cost-benefit analysis his Department has undertaken on the value of (a) bus franchising and (b) enhanced partnerships.
Answered on
19 April 2021
The cost and benefits of franchising and enhanced partnerships vary by authority. The Bus Services Act 2017 Impact Assessment details cost benefit analysis of illustrative scenarios.
It is for Mayoral Combined Authorities and other local transport authorities on a case-by-case basis to decide whether to pursue franchising or an enhanced partnership.
The franchising legislation specifically requires a franchising assessment business case, which considers the costs and benefits of franchising, to be prepared by the authority.