Bus Services Bill published by Government today, gives Combined Authorities Mayors the power to franchise bus services.
Looking at Summary of measures;
Quality Partnership schemes no longer require new infrastructure to be built.
New Enhanced Partnership scheme allowing agreements to improve quality of bus services if a majority of bus operators agree, local authorities can take over bus registration from Traffic Commissioners.
Franchising where a directly elected mayor has followed a democratic process, can determine which bus services are operated and bus companies have to bid to operate them as well as apply for a permit to operate extra non-franchise specified services.
Bus operators will be required to provide open data about timetables, punctuality, fares and real time information.
Local Authorities now legally have to consider bus linkages and multi operator ticketing scheme compatability.
Operators have to provide local authorities data on passenger numbers and revenue of any service they intend to cancel and share It with rival bidders to operate a service.
Rail replacement bus services no longer have to be registered as bus services. (I guess they are now rail replacement coach services?)
Closes loopholes (exact technical specifications) allowing operators to implement outdated ticketing technology.
Government can grant other regions the power to franchise but wont be automatic right without an elected mayor. Currently only Cornwall has been given permission without a Mayor.
To become a franchise area local authorities have to produce justifiable reasons, follow a democratic process and have their business plan evaluated by an independent arbiter.
Bill expected to be passed early 2017 with first franchised bus services 2018/19