Lib Dems secure funding for bus franchise pilot

Better bus services for Hertfordshire - via a potential new franchise system - have moved a major step closer.

The Lib Dem-run county council has secured £420,000 of government funding for a feasibility study.

The aim is for the authority to provide its own bus routes, through a franchise model with operators.

This could enable significant improvements to local public transport, especially in poorly-served rural areas of Hertfordshire.

By commissioning bus services itself, the county council could ensure they meet the needs of residents - instead of relying on the whims of private companies.

Frequency, reliability and coverage would all be enhanced.

The funding package comes from the Department of Transport. Hertfordshire Lib Dems had long been calling for this investment.

It’s one of only five schemes - across the UK - which the government has agreed.

The £420,000 will pay for consultants and council officers to develop a robust and detailed plan for Hertfordshire bus franchising.

This involves a review of existing services, including the existing council-owned HertsLynx, to identify local needs and financial viability.

It will be completed by spring 2026, with the goal of introducing the first franchised services soon afterwards, hopefully supported by further government funding.

Paul Zukowskyj, Lib Dem councillor and executive member for transport at Hertfordshire County Council, said:

“Improving Hertfordshire’s buses is a top priority for the new Lib Dem administration.

“We believe the most powerful way of achieving this is through a franchise system - like in London.

“It would mean that buses would be run by people who are accountable to the public.

“Services could be designed around what local communities need and deserve - closing gaps, helping rural areas, and making buses more frequent and reliable.

“As we’ve seen, independent private companies cannot achieve this alone.

“The government funding - which we pressed for - places us in a great position to deliver a high-quality new system.

“A route, a pathway, to full bus franchising, is now clear and achievable”