Mayor Ward: 'Step Up or Face Franchising'

On March 30th, East Midlands Mayor Claire Ward is putting private bus companies on notice.

If they don't step up with reliable service, more electric buses and better coverage in underserved spots, she could push to take control and run.

Then publicly through franchising.

During her 2024 campaign, Ward nixed franchising promises because it would drag on for years past her four-year term.

Instead, she bet on enhanced partnerships, teaming up tight with operators for quick wins and smart spending.

Folks are fed up with buses that go schedules, skip rural routes and run dirty.

Derbyshire County Council grabbed 47 million pounds in national funds back in 2022 for this approach, keeping fairs low, propping up key lines and adding stops with real-time displays.

Now, transport powers for buses, stations and stops shifted towards East Midlands.

Combined County Authority this past October, pulling from local, councils, highways stuff like potholes stays with them, but funding flows wider through the mayor.

She's clear with operators, deliver clean, puncture rides, people can count on via partnership or franchising stays on the table for real change down.

The line.