Enhanced partnerships (EPs) are a new type of arrangement between LTAs and bus operators. The purpose of the EP is to create a formal, collaborative agreement between LTAs and bus operators to deliver bus improvements in an area. As part of an EP, the LTA and operators can set service standards, including the frequency of buses along specific routes, the type of vehicle to be used and the availability of ticket products and payment methods.
Enhanced partnerships also allow for integration between different types of public transport with more joint ticketing arrangements and better timetabling to allow interchange. An EP would therefore bring many of the benefits of a franchise in terms of providing a more joined up bus network but the operation of the commercial services would still remain with the bus companies.
At our Cabinet meeting on 17 June 2021 (item 6(j))it was agreed that Derbyshire would enter into an EP arrangement with all of the bus operators who provide services in our area. The required Notice was served on the 21 June 2021.
Notice of intent to prepare an enhanced partnership plan and schemes 21 June 2021, was published on this website, and in the local press, under Section138F of the Transport Act 2000.
This was followed by statutory consultation first with bus operators, and then with wider stakeholders, and at our Cabinet Meeting 10 March 2022 (Item 11) approval was given to “Make” the Enhanced Partnership, with delegated powers granted to agree the final wording. The Delegated decision was taken on the 29th March 2022, without any changes to the wording.
The formal notice of this decision is given:
Derbyshire County Council hereby give Notice under Section 138G(5) of the Transport Act 2000 (as amended), that the Enhanced Partnership has been Made on 29th March 2022 and comes into effect from 31 March 2022. The Enhanced Partnership has been prepared in accordance with Section 138F of the Transport Act 2000 and has been consulted accordingly, it is Made without modifications, following public consultation. The Enhanced Plan and Scheme can be viewed at [email address] and applied to all bus operators operating within Derbyshire Council Council’s administrative area, unless specifically exempt under the terms of the Enhanced Partnership Scheme.
You can view a copy of the final Enhanced Partnership Plan and Scheme here:
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The Enhanced Partnership Plan for bus operators can be seen here.
- The Enhanced Partnership Scheme for bus operators can be seen here.
From Thursday 27 January 2022 it is no longer a legal requirement to wear a face covering when travelling on buses and trains in England. The Government suggests that you continue to wear a face covering in crowded and enclosed spaces where you may come into contact with other people you do not normally meet. Some bus and train companies may still request or require you to wear a face mask unless exempt.
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