Oxfordshire County Council is set to discuss the future of bus regulation across the county, with a proposal to strengthen its collaboration with local operators through a new Enhanced Partnership Plus (EP+) agreement.
The recommendation will go before the council’s cabinet on 21 October, outlining an approach designed to build on the success of the existing Enhanced Partnership by deepening mutual commitments between the council and bus companies.
The EP+ model aims to deliver better outcomes for passengers more efficiently, cost-effectively, and with lower risk than alternative routes such as franchising or municipal ownership.
Councillor Andrew Gant, Cabinet Member for Transport Management, emphasised the importance of public transport in supporting Oxfordshire’s communities, economy, and environmental goals.
“Bus services are vital for Oxfordshire’s communities, economy, and the environment. I am pleased that this important item is being considered by the council and the opportunity for improvements it presents.
As a council we have a good, close working relationship with our bus operators and regularly discuss matters such as routes and ticketing to help deliver the service that people in Oxfordshire need.”
The cabinet report follows a study commissioned after a council motion passed in September 2023, which assessed the costs, benefits, and potential impacts of options including bus franchising and the establishment of a municipal bus company. The review drew on examples from other local authorities that have explored similar approaches.
The timing of the proposal coincides with the government’s forthcoming Bus Services (No.2) Bill, expected to pass later this year, which will make it easier for councils to pursue franchising or create new publicly owned bus companies.
While franchising offers local authorities greater control over service planning, fares, and ticketing, it also requires significant time, resources, and financial investment, including the purchase of depots and vehicles. Similarly, municipal ownership carries substantial operational costs and exposure to market risks.
Councillor Gant noted that there is no single approach that fits all areas:
“For many reasons, including geography and historic relationships with the bodies that run the bus services, there is no common solution that suits everywhere. Just because something works well in one part of the country, doesn’t necessarily mean it will work in Oxfordshire.”
He added that the council remains committed to addressing congestion, the biggest factor affecting bus reliability and punctuality. If approved, a full EP+ proposal will be developed and presented for decision at a later date.
