Notice of Intention to prepare an Enhanced Partnership Plan
Informal discussions were held with all local bus service operators at special meetings of the Staffordshire Bus Operator Forum on 17th May 2021 and 8th June 2021. It was agreed by all of those present to work towards the creation of an Enhanced Partnership (EP) to commence on 1st April 2022. The basis of the EP would be to deliver the aspirations of the Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) that will be developed jointly with bus operators and to be published by 31st October 2021. An EP means an Enhanced Partnership Scheme within the meaning of Transport Act 2000 and this notice is issued pursuant to Section 138F(1)(a) of the Transport Act 2000.
Following these informal discussions, the County Council’s Cabinet met on 16th June 2021 and formally approved the decision for the Council to move forward with a BSIP and EP in conjunction with bus operators. This decision is documented at Item 9 of the Cabinet proceedings published online at Agenda for Cabinet on Wednesday 16th June 2021, 10.00 am - Staffordshire County Council.
It is envisaged at this stage that the plan will cover the administrative area of Staffordshire, which for clarity excludes the administrative area of Stoke on Trent.
The point of contact for further information concerning this notice of intent is busstrategy@staffordshire.gov.uk.
The EP will be developed in line with Section 138F of the Transport Act 2000. We would remind operators that whilst there is no obligation to participate in the development of an EP, that requirements imposed by the EP will apply to all affected operators whether or not they have participated in the development process. Any operator of bus services within or into Staffordshire will have the opportunity to take part in discussions about the EP at any point.
Signed for and on behalf of Staffordshire County Council