Bristol Mayor Prepares Report on Bus Franchising Amid Accusations of Delay
The metro mayor of Bristol’s transport system, Dan Norris, has revealed that a report on the potential franchising of the region’s buses is currently underway. This comes in response to accusations from campaigners who accused Norris of stalling on the matter. The group, Reclaim our Buses, has also called for an end to the partnership between First Bus and the West of England Combined Authority (WECA).
According to research conducted by Friends of the Earth and the University of Leeds, over 50 percent of buses along bus routes in the West of England have disappeared since 2010. Meanwhile, First West of England has announced profits of £6.5 million for the 2023 financial year.
Campaigners argue that the current system of an ‘enhanced partnership’ must come to an end. They believe that First West of England’s profits should be reinvested in the bus network to improve reliability and affordability. Various communities, including those in Oldbury Court and Ashton Vale, have expressed feeling abandoned due to a lack of transport.
Mayor Norris acknowledges the need for a better bus service, but cautions that franchising alone will not solve all the issues. He stated, Franchising could be an important part of getting us there, but it isn’t a silver bullet.
Earlier this year, Bristol Live launched the Better Buses for Bristol campaign, demanding an end to bus cuts and urging Norris to initiate the process of taking back control and implementing a franchise system.
Reclaim our Buses is calling for an expedited franchising process, arguing that vulnerable and elderly individuals are missing out on opportunities for fuller lives. The group also highlights that 60 percent of young people rely on public transport, and service cuts hinder their skill development and access to employment.
Peggy Woodward, a campaigner for Reclaim our Buses, emphasized, If Dan doesn’t start the formal investigation of bus franchising very soon, the West of England region will be left behind. The group is also advocating for marginalized communities to have a say in shaping the bus network.
First West of England did not respond to requests for comment from Bristol Live. However, Mayor Norris urges residents to sign up for the Birthday Buses scheme and use public transport more frequently, as increased utilization is crucial for building a sustainable local transport network.
The recent Birthday Bus scheme gained attention due to a promotional bus wrap featuring the metro mayor and his dog, costing £10,000 but not being utilized over concerns of its legality. The bus was removed from public view when Weca boss Richard Ennis discovered its existence and raised concerns about potential rule violations. Mayor Norris, denying any wrongdoing, defended the large images, stating that they needed to be visible to the public.
Mayor Norris has ordered a report on franchising to be prepared, which will address potential risks and rewards, including financial implications for taxpayers. The report aims to contribute to a well-informed assessment of the additional powers and resources required to implement franchising effectively.
In conclusion, the metro mayor of Bristol is taking steps to address the issue of bus franchising. While campaigners and residents push for quicker action, Norris acknowledges that franchising alone will not solve all the challenges faced by the bus network. The report, to be published next year, will play a vital role in determining the future of Bristol’s bus system.
