Statutory guidance

Bus enhanced partnerships

Creating an enhanced partnership to run local bus services.

From:
Department for Transport
Published
1 April 2026

Applies to England

Documents

Bus enhanced partnerships

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Details

Guidance for local transport authorities in England on setting up and running an enhanced partnership (EP) with bus operators.

Statutory guidance on EPs covering:

  • content - what needs to go into an EP
  • processes - how to make, vary, enforce or revoke an EP
  • governance - how to organise and manage a successful EP

Bus franchising

An enhanced partnership is one of two options available to local authorities when working in partnership with bus operators. The alternative is bus franchising.

Updates to this page

Published 1 April 2026

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