Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority’s bus franchising consultation is reaching its halfway mark. Taking place both face-to-face and digitally, the 14-week consultation will close on 20 November. It will inform a decision by the Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Dr Nik Johnson on how to reform buses in the area.
“Since the consultation launched in August, we have sought to engage with families, students, older people, statutory consultees and other stakeholders in various ways including via in-person events,” said a Combined Authority spokesperson.
“Everyone is welcome to take part, and we are especially keen to hear from young people who either rely on the bus or who could benefit from the bus in the future.”
Chief Executive of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority, Rob Bridge, said: “We’ve been out and about talking to communities and stakeholders across the region to make sure as many voices as possible are heard.
“It’s been heartening to hear just how much bus services matter to people, and it has been a valuable opportunity for us to get feedback from those who prefer to participate face-to-face.
“We’re now halfway through the consultation, so it’s really important you have your say whilst there’s still time. Don’t miss your chance!”
Upcoming face-to-face events are:
Northstowe
Tuesday 1 October 8.30am to 10.30am Bus Stop, Longstanton Park and Ride, Station Road, Northstowe, CB24 1DD
Tuesday 1 October 11am to 12noon Bus Stop, The Busway, Oakington, Cambridge, CB24 3AH
Wisbech
Wednesday 2 October 2pm to 4pm Wisbech Market Place, Wisbech, PE13 1DY
Wednesday 2 October 4.30pm to 6.30pm Freedom Bridge Roundabout, Wisbech, PE13 1NP
Cambridge
Tuesday 8 October 3pm to 5pm Cambridge City Centre Bus Station, Drummer Street, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB1 1NQ
Saturday 12 October 10am to 4pm Cambridge City Centre Bus Station, Drummer Street, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB1 1NQ
More events will be added soon and dates and times, as well as detailed location and travel information, can be found on the consultation website: https://cpca-yourvoice.co.uk/bus-franchising-consultation/key-events/
For anyone who can’t attend a drop-in event, there are other ways to take part:
- Online: https://cpca-yourvoice.co.uk/bus-franchising-consultation/
- Paper copies or large print versions of the consultation documents are available too and can be requested in the following languages: Polish, Lithuanian, Portuguese and Urdu.
- Print out the consultation documents and post responses to the following address: Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority Bus Franchising Consultation, 2nd Floor, Pathfinder House, St Mary’s Street, Huntingdon, Cambs, PE29 3TN.
A FREEPOST envelope is available by calling: 01480 277180.
FACT FILE
The Combined Authority commissioned independent transport consultants, ITP, to undertake a detailed assessment of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough’s transport needs and to provide an outline business case assessment for bus reform.
Two approaches have been outlined in the assessment: a Franchising solution and an Enhanced Partnership (EP).
The consultation will compare a franchising solution with an Enhanced Partnership approach.
Under a franchised network, the Combined Authority would contract bus operators to run services on its behalf but have control over the routes, frequency, fares and overall standards of the region’s buses.
An alternative Enhanced Partnership solution, while producing benefits over the current bus service, provides less control over the routes, frequency and overall delivery of the services.
The Combined Authority says it intends to implement an interim Enhanced Partnership to manage bus services until any outcomes from the Combined Authority Board decision on bus services (including any potential date for commencing franchising if approved) can be delivered.
The consultation is the next step on the Combined Authority’s Road to Better Buses strategy to improve bus services for everyone in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.
Updates can be found on Combined Authority social media channels #TheRoadToBetterBuses
