Funding secured to explore new bus operation model in Hertfordshire

The news was announced today, 17 October, and the project will assess how Transport for Hertfordshire (TfH) currently collaborates with private bus operators and whether a franchising model could offer better, more reliable journeys for residents working, living and travelling within more rural areas of the county.

The review will also consider network stability, service frequency and existing council-owned and managed services like HertsLynx. The focus will initially be on North Hertfordshire, East Hertfordshire and Stevenage.

Paul Zukowskyj, Executive Member for Transport at Hertfordshire County Council, said:

“We’ve made a commitment to fix our buses and improve journeys in our county and securing this funding is the first step in making that promise a reality. We want everyone in Hertfordshire to be able to travel sustainably and safely across the county, and a reliable, efficient bus network is central to that ambition.

“We’ll be working closely with our partners in the Intalink Enhanced partnership as we begin this review, and we look forward to working with the Department for Transport on this.”

Roads and Buses Minister from the Department for Transport Simon Lightwood said:

“We’re backing Hertfordshire to explore how it could take control of its bus network and transform rural services to work for everyone, ensuring passengers, not profit, are put first when it comes to bus services.

“With our transformative Bus Services Bill just around the corner, this Government will put buses at the forefront of better connectivity - helping communities thrive and driving economic growth as part of our Plan for Change. "

The proposals are expected to be submitted by April 2026 and any approved plans may require further funding to move into implementation.