Somerset’s bus services may soon adopt a franchising model similar to that used in Manchester, signalling a significant shift in how services are managed locally.
Currently, private operators run bus routes in Somerset, with Somerset Council providing subsidies for certain routes that would otherwise not be commercially viable, such as the 25 between Taunton and Dulverton, and the 28 between Taunton and Minehead. However, changes introduced by the Bus Services Act 2025 allow any UK local authority to establish a franchising system, awarding contracts centrally for specific routes.
At present, this system operates only in Greater London and Manchester, but other urban areas like Birmingham and Nottingham are planning to adopt franchising by 2029. Somerset Council, having submitted a formal request earlier this year, has now secured funding from the Department for Transport (DfT) to conduct a ‘pre-feasibility assessment’. This assessment will evaluate how practicable it would be to implement franchising in Somerset.
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Under a franchising model, the council would grant exclusive contracts to private firms, such as FirstBus, for the operation of certain routes or areas. Unlike the current ‘enhanced partnership’ system, franchising would see the council maintain control over routes, fares, timetables, and service standards.
Councillor Richard Wilkins, portfolio holder for highways and transport and representative for the Curry Rivel and Langport division, emphasised that extensive consultations would take place with bus users and groups like the Somerset Bus Partnership to determine the viability of franchising in the county.
“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,” said Councillor Wilkins.
He added that this process offers a valuable chance to build a strong evidence base to guide future decisions, with a focus on working closely with stakeholders to identify current issues that might be resolved by either an enhanced partnership or franchised system.
Discussions regarding the pre-feasibility assessment are planned for the council’s bus advisory board meeting on 13 October. This board, which includes councillors, operators, and campaigners, will further explore the possibilities for improving bus services in Somerset.