Somerset to explore bus franchising after 2027 elections

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 3 Nov, 17:00 · Archive

Somerset Council will publish a report on switching to a franchised bus system after May 2027 local elections.

Somerset Council has been awarded funding from the Department for Transport to explore whether the county's bus services should switch to a franchised system. The council has confirmed that a report on the 'pre-feasibility assessment' will be published in May 2027, after the local elections but before the elections of a first Wessex mayor.

Bus services in Somerset are currently run by private operators, with Somerset Council providing subsidies to routes that would otherwise not be commercially viable, such as the 25 between Taunton and Dulverton and the 54 between Taunton and Yeovil. Under bus franchising, the council would award exclusive contracts to private operators to run services on specific routes or areas.

Following the passage of the Bus Services Act 2025, any local authority in the UK can move to a franchising system where contracts are centrally awarded to run specific routes. The system is currently only in operation in Greater London and Manchester, though several other urban areas such as Birmingham and Nottingham are looking to transition to it by 2029. Under franchising, unlike the current 'enhanced partnership' system, the council would retain control over routes, fares, timetables and service standards.

How it is being reported

• Report on Somerset bus franchising expected after 2027 local electionsSomerset Council has been awarded funding from central government to explore whether shifting to a franchised system would work in SomersetBridgwater Mercury · 3 Nov, 16:30
• Report on Somerset bus franchising expected after 2027 local electionsSomerset Council has been awarded funding from central government to explore whether shifting to a franchised system would work in SomersetSomerset County Gazette · 3 Nov, 16:30

In this story: Somerset Council · Department for Transport · Somerset · Greater London · Manchester · First Bus · Wessex

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