Are they too different to have a dialogue?

The success of local bus services is dependent on partnerships between bus companies and local authorities. Robert Jack considers just how well these parties are working together

The Sheffield Bus Agreement, between FirstGroup, SYPTE and Sheffield City Council, did not last long

The Sheffield Bus Agreement, between FirstGroup, SYPTE and Sheffield City Council, did not last long

Partnership is the key to making local bus services successful in Britain. There is little that can be achieved without an ongoing dialogue between bus companies and local authorities. ln too many areas, however, this dialogue is not occurring. There is either silence, or worse, public discord. Why?

The examples of strong partnerships are well known. Brighton, Oxford, York and Cambridge all benefit from the continuous dialogue between their bus companies and local authorities. So what’s...