Source · Select Committees · Transport Committee
Recommendation 7
7
Acknowledged
Paragraph: 69
Bringing more coherence and collaboration between local transport authorities and bus operators to local bus...
Conclusion
Bringing more coherence and collaboration between local transport authorities and bus operators to local bus services is undoubtedly a good idea. But Enhanced Partnerships are a largely untested way to do this. The Government has made a big bet on them being the right model. It must carefully monitor how well they are working and ensure appropriate contingencies are in place.
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the importance of monitoring Enhanced Partnerships (EPs) and is working closely with LTAs and bus operators, highlighting the responsibilities and guidance provided to LTAs. The government also recognizes that EPs are new and untested mechanism and for that reason, sufficient time must be allowed for these to be fully embedded.
Paragraph Reference:
69
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
The Government accepts this recommendation. The Government is working closely with Local Transport Authorities (LTAs) and bus operators on Enhanced Partnerships (EPs) and to monitor how well they are working. The EPs record the obligations that LTAs and their bus operators have agreed, through partnership working, to improve bus services in their area, and once these are finalised, the LTA and operators are legally required to deliver those improvements. It is the responsibility of each individual LTA to establish a strong governance mechanism and decision-making body through an Enhanced Partnership Board, supported by an Enhanced Partnership Forum and other groups where appropriate. As part of this structure, the LTA is accountable for applying a suitable monitoring and evaluation process, publishing regular updates against headline targets and proposing and applying variations to their Enhanced Partnership where adjustments are needed. The Department has appointed a dedicated relationship manager to each LTA to monitor and provide bespoke advice on delivery of BSIP outcomes through the EP and help support the governance processes outlined above. Discussions with each LTA and their bus operators and progress made in delivering their BSIP outcomes are also recorded using internal DfT processes. Feedback from some LTAs has indicated that EPs are already providing a strong mechanism for improving engagement with their local bus operators, helping to build a successful and collaborative one-team approach with the ability to deliver key innovations to improve local bus services. We recognise that not every LTA has yet achieved that level of engagement, but the Department has committed to providing the support, including through monthly online bus forum events and training resources to be delivered through the recently launched Bus Centre of Excellence. The Department acknowledges that EPs are a new and untested mechanism and for that reason, sufficient time must be allowed for these to be fully embedded, recognising that there are variations in LTAs’ capability and capacity. BSIP guidance issued by the Government notes that individual LTAs can switch from delivering their bus network, including planned improvements, through an EP to developing a franchising business case (or vice versa) at any time; non-Mayoral Combined Authorities would need to apply to the Secretary of State for franchising powers and demonstrate how franchised bus services would provide more benefits more quickly for local people than an EP.