Somerset’s bus network is considering a shift towards a centrally-franchised system similar to that used in Manchester, marking a potential major change in how local bus services operate.
Currently, private operators run bus routes across Somerset, with the Somerset Council providing subsidies to certain routes that would not be viable commercially. Examples include services such as the 25 between Taunton and Dulverton, and the 28 between Taunton and Minehead.
The recent Bus Services Act 2025 permits local authorities throughout the UK to adopt a franchising system. Under this model, contracts to operate specific routes are centrally awarded by the council rather than being left entirely to market forces.
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At present, only Greater London and Manchester have implemented franchising systems; however, other urban areas like Birmingham and Nottingham are considering similar transitions by 2029.
Somerset Council has submitted a formal request in the spring and subsequently received funding from the Department for Transport (DfT) to carry out a ‘pre-feasibility assessment’. This study will evaluate the practicality of implementing a franchised bus network within Somerset.
If franchising is adopted, the council would grant exclusive contracts to private companies, such as FirstBus, to operate designated routes or areas. This approach contrasts with the current ‘enhanced partnership’ system, as it would give the council direct control over critical elements including routes, fares, timetables, and service quality standards.
Councillor Richard Wilkins, portfolio holder for highways and transport and representative for the Curry Rivel and Langport division, emphasised that extensive consultations will take place with bus users and organisations like the Somerset Bus Partnership to determine the viability of franchising.
He stated, “We are grateful to the government for providing this opportunity. We will thoroughly test whether franchising can realistically deliver better outcomes for passengers than Somerset’s current approach through enhanced partnership arrangements, the bus service improvement plan (BSIP) interventions, and targeted service support.”
Councillor Wilkins highlighted that this initiative presents a “fantastic opportunity to provide a robust evidence base to inform future decision-making.”
He added, “We will work closely with stakeholders, including bus user groups, to understand current shortcomings that could be addressed either by an improved enhanced partnership or a franchised approach. This is about exploring all options to see what could work best in Somerset to enhance bus services.”
Further discussions regarding the pre-feasibility study are scheduled for the next meeting of Somerset Council’s bus advisory board on 13 October. This board brings together councillors, bus operators, and campaigners to deliberate on transport issues.
“This is about unpacking all the options and seeing what could work in Somerset to deliver improved bus services.” – Councillor Richard Wilkins