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 enhanced partnerships manual

This guidance is supported by the bus enhanced partnerships manual - a practical guide to support local authorities with the enhanced partnerships process.

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.

Published 1 April 2026