Publicly-run buses plan 'will involve small firms'

Smaller operators will not be overlooked when an area's bus services are brought under greater public control, a local authority has said.

Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA) is implementing a franchising scheme, which will give it more control over setting fares, routes, timetables and service standards.

Progress was discussed at a transport committee meeting - the first since the scheme was agreed in February - with concerns raised about smaller companies.

"We'll be involved in meaningful conversations with our small and medium operators, and all operators in the region, to make sure they get their feedback and we can get thoughts from them," said Andrew Highfield, assistant director for public transport at CPCA.

"A lot of our small and medium operators do work from a number of contracts at the combined authority already," he added.

"In effect, the franchise model is still establishing that contracted model but in a slightly different way, so we just need to be aware of those risks and how we can make sure we meaningfully involve them in that process."

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, deputy mayor Anna Smith, chair of the transport committee, said Wednesday's meeting was "momentous".

"This will be a different approach and we do want to work as closely as we can with operators to ensure we have a really good and positive relationship, and a network that works for everyone," she added.

The meeting also heard CPCA was aiming to go live with the first contracts in autumn 2027.

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