National Bus Strategy – Shropshire Council’s response

Notice of Intent to Prepare an Enhanced Partnership Plan - June 2021

On 30 June 2021. Shropshire Council gave approval to proceed with the development of an Enhanced Partnership. The commencement of this is confirmed through this notice of the intention to prepare an Enhanced Partnership Plan and accompanying Enhanced Partnership Schemes, as required and set out in section 138F of the Transport Act 2000.

Shropshire Council along with the members of Shropshire Bus Enhanced Partnership have agreed an Enhanced Partnership Plan and Scheme from 1 April 2022. Following the required Local Bus Operator objection period and consultation with key stakeholders, the published plan and scheme can be found here.

As part of the key stakeholder consultation, points were raised for the Partnership to consider, however, no objections have been noted. 

Further Information

In March, the government announced a new National Bus Strategy Bus back better – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). Alongside the delivery of this strategy, there is an expectation that local transport authorities work towards forming “Enhanced Partnerships” with their local bus operators by April 2022. This will also include the development of a Bus Service Improvement Plan.

What does this mean?

An Enhanced Partnership is an agreement between a local authority and local bus operators to work together to improve local bus services. It includes a clear vision of the improvements that the partnership is aiming for and accompanying actions to achieve them. The local authority has formal responsibility to form the partnership. They can only proceed with proposals if they have the support and input of local bus operators.

Full details of the documents, including the Bus Services Improvement Plan, will be published on this website in due course. Should you have any questions regarding this please contact: buses@shropshire.gov.uk