Bus Reform

SPT is exploring options to improve how bus services are planned and delivered across the west of Scotland, as part of wider Bus Reform activity.

Bus Franchising

SPT is exploring options to improve how bus services are planned and delivered across the west of Scotland, as part of wider Bus Reform activity. One of the options available under the Transport (Scotland) Act 2019 is bus franchising, which would allow a public authority to plan bus services as a coordinated network and contract operators to run them.

The outline Franchising Assessment programme was approved by the SPT Partnership at its meeting of 19 December 2025. This approval allows SPT, working with its partner local authorities, to begin a detailed and structured assessment of whether bus franchising could deliver better outcomes for passengers, communities and the regional transport system.

The assessment process will consider evidence, impacts, costs and alternatives, including other forms of partnership working, before any proposal is developed. Public and stakeholder engagement will form an important part of this process.

The frequently asked questions below explain what bus franchising is, why it is being considered, what the assessment involves, and what it could mean for passengers, operators and communities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Has a decision been made on bus franchising?

The outline Franchising Assessment programme was approved by the SPT Partnership at its meeting on 19 December 2025. This approval allows SPT and its partners to begin a structured assessment of bus franchising, in line with the requirements of the Transport (Scotland) Act 2019.

The assessment process will examine whether franchising would deliver better outcomes for passengers, communities and the regional transport network compared with alternative options. Any decision to introduce franchising would only be taken after this work is completed and after formal consultation and statutory approvals.

What does approval of the Franchising Assessment programme mean?

Approval of the outline Franchising Assessment programme means that SPT can begin detailed work to understand whether bus franchising is a viable, affordable and effective option for the region.

This includes:

Assessing passenger needs and current network performance
Comparing franchising with other delivery options, such as partnerships
Examining financial, economic and operational impacts
Considering potential risks and benefits
Testing proposals through engagement and consultation.

Approval of the programme does not commit SPT or its partners to introducing franchising, but ensures that any decision is informed by evidence and analysis.

What are the next steps?

The next steps involve progressing the Franchising Assessment programme, which will be carried out in stages. These stages will include technical analysis, development of outline proposals, and engagement with stakeholders.

If the assessment concludes that franchising should be formally proposed, this would trigger statutory consultation and further decision‑making by the relevant authorities.

Updates on progress will be published on the SPT website.