Bus Franchising

Bus Franchising

Hertfordshire County Council is exploring opportunities to shape a more reliable, accessible and joined-up bus network for the future.

The future of bus travel in Hertfordshire could look different, and we want residents and stakeholders to help shape it. Please fill in our bus franchising engagement survey.

The areas where we believe franchising would deliver the most benefits are:

  • East Hertfordshire
  • North Hertfordshire
  • Stevenage
But what is bus franchising?

The video below explains more:


What’s going on now?

Hertfordshire County Council is now in the second stage of the Department for Transport's bus franchising framework. This process is outlined below: 

A flow chart showing the DfT processes for bus franchising. Step 1- DfT funding and project launch is cpmpleted. Step 2 - stakeholder engagement and feasibility design (Sept 26 to May 27), Step 3 - formal public stakeholder consultation (Summer 2027), Step 4- consultation response, proposals finalised and decision made on how to proceed (Autumn/ Winter 27), Step 5- Transition and implementation (2028)

We are now beginning to engage with stakeholders as proposals are developed. 

There will be a full public consultation in 2027. 

Please see the links below for further information:

We hope this website will provide useful information and updates on progress as well as giving you the chance to have your say as part of initial engagement. Remember to check back for updates!