{"id":66360,"date":"2026-03-23T15:15:27","date_gmt":"2026-03-23T15:15:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.systra.com\/uk\/?post_type=expert_insights&#038;p=66360"},"modified":"2026-03-25T15:45:46","modified_gmt":"2026-03-25T15:45:46","slug":"bus-franchising-from-expression-of-interest-to-go-live-with-systras-bus-team","status":"publish","type":"expert_insights","link":"https:\/\/www.systra.com\/uk\/expert_insights\/bus-franchising-from-expression-of-interest-to-go-live-with-systras-bus-team\/","title":{"rendered":"Bus franchising: From Expression of Interest to go-live with SYSTRA\u2019s Bus team\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"has-light-eggplant-color has-text-color has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Franchising a bus network is a complex, multi-year transformation that touches governance, markets, data, operations, and public trust. The Department for Transport&nbsp;(DfT)&nbsp;recognises&nbsp;this, and&nbsp;various options&nbsp;have been put forward to support Local Transport Authorities (LTAs) on their journey to bus reform.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>By acknowledging that the process is demanding and that many authorities do not yet have the capacity or specialist skills in place, government is reframing the debate: success hinges not just on political will, but on building the capability to make good choices and deliver them credibly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Support is now being provided to those authorities wanting to start a franchising journey. At the core is the Franchising Support Fund, which will&nbsp;allocate&nbsp;support across&nbsp;financial years&nbsp;2026\/27 to 2028\/29 for authorities actively seeking to transition to a franchised bus network.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The funding available includes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Up to \u00a3500,000 per year for pre-feasibility&nbsp;to test&nbsp;proportionality and alternatives.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Up to \u00a31,000,000 per year for the full franchising assessment.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>One-off \u00a364,000 to fund a Franchising &amp; Bus Reform Officer for one year.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Eligibility for the funding is specific &#8211; authorities must not have franchised any part of their network, nor issued an intent to franchise, and they must confirm council and Chief Finance Officer approval. Each authority may apply only once, for either pre\u2011feasibility or&nbsp;the franchising&nbsp;assessment.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The pathway into funding is clear &#8211; the current Expressions of&nbsp;Interest (EOIs) window closes on Wednesday 8th April 2026, with outcomes announced in May 2026. EOIs should cover key requirements, a 1,000\u2011word franchising&nbsp;programme&nbsp;description, a 500\u2011word statement on meeting the Public Sector Equality Duty, and a 500\u2011word monitoring and evaluation commitment. For new&nbsp;entrants&nbsp;this structure is invaluable as it frames what \u201ccredible\u201d looks like without demanding a fully-formed solution on day one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-default\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"2380\" height=\"1500\" src=\"https:\/\/www.systra.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2026\/03\/bus-franchising.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-66361\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1.5866787967945493;width:965px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.systra.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2026\/03\/bus-franchising.png 2380w, https:\/\/www.systra.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2026\/03\/bus-franchising-300x189.png 300w, https:\/\/www.systra.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2026\/03\/bus-franchising-1024x645.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.systra.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2026\/03\/bus-franchising-768x484.png 768w, https:\/\/www.systra.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2026\/03\/bus-franchising-1536x968.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.systra.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2026\/03\/bus-franchising-2048x1291.png 2048w, https:\/\/www.systra.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2026\/03\/bus-franchising-474x299.png 474w, https:\/\/www.systra.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2026\/03\/bus-franchising-1700x1071.png 1700w, https:\/\/www.systra.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2026\/03\/bus-franchising-1352x852.png 1352w, https:\/\/www.systra.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2026\/03\/bus-franchising-800x504.png 800w, https:\/\/www.systra.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2026\/03\/bus-franchising-180x113.png 180w, https:\/\/www.systra.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2026\/03\/bus-franchising-153x96.png 153w, https:\/\/www.systra.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2026\/03\/bus-franchising-230x145.png 230w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2380px) 100vw, 2380px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-why-systra-is-well-placed-to-support-ltas\"><strong>Why SYSTRA is well placed to support LTAs<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>At SYSTRA we understand that first-time franchisors face a steep learning curve. We can bring end-to-end support across the franchising lifecycle. From sharpening the EOI to early pre-feasibility through&nbsp;the statutory&nbsp;assessment,&nbsp;option&nbsp;development, procurement strategy, and contract design, to&nbsp;mobilisation&nbsp;and performance management.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Over recent years, our specialists have&nbsp;assisted&nbsp;authorities on their route to&nbsp;franchising&nbsp;including expertly supporting Franchising Scheme Assessment development and auditing, operational readiness, network&nbsp;reviews&nbsp;and ticketing integration. Examples of our client support include:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Reconciling data:&nbsp;Including ticketing, patronage, revenue, cost, punctuality, and asset data, allowing an audit ready evidence base to be built.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Interpreting statutory guidance:&nbsp;Defining scope, agreeing proportionate methods,&nbsp;aligning to&nbsp;DfT&nbsp;requirements, and sequencing the statutory assessment, consultation, decision points, and procurement.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Defining workforce, depot, and fleet dependencies:&nbsp;We&nbsp;advise&nbsp;on the considerations around depot access, ownership, electrification, fleet age and compliance, and lead times for procurement helping shape the feasibility of available solutions for infrastructure as well as workforce transfer.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-system-reform-must-nbsp-accompany-nbsp-localised-fixes-nbsp\"><strong>System reform must&nbsp;accompany&nbsp;localised fixes<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Without meaningful bus reform, transport pressures will continue to escalate. Transport teams have ongoing pressures to manage existing placement decisions. Unless those decisions reflect realistic travel patterns and local capacity, costs will keep spiralling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s&nbsp;important to recognise&nbsp;that&nbsp;local authorities cannot resolve this alone, and operators cannot simply scale up on demand. What is needed is a coordinated, system-wide approach that aligns public transport realities &#8211; underpinned by robust, consistent monitoring to ensure quality and value for money.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-systra-projects-nbsp\"><strong>SYSTRA projects<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Our bus specialists at SYSTRA have worked alongside authorities in England as part of regional bus reform projects.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Transport for Greater&nbsp;Manchester&nbsp;<\/strong>&nbsp;&#8211;&nbsp;developed the economic case and strengthened the quantitative evidence base. Our team built and calibrated a demand\u2013revenue model to forecast patronage and revenue across multiple scenarios, testing network changes and fare or policy interventions. In parallel, SYSTRA supported the franchising audit and consultation, and&nbsp;prepared for&nbsp;implementation through the transition and procurement phases. We designed and refined franchised network specifications, evaluated bidder proposals, supported negotiations, and helped manage both the transition to, and early operation&nbsp;of,&nbsp;the franchised network.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>West Yorkshire Combined Authority<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013 led network activities for the franchising&nbsp;programme, designed a Service Continuity Plan, reviewed depot and&nbsp;lotting&nbsp;strategy, created performance baselines, developed network specifications, evaluated electrified bus&nbsp;franchises&nbsp;and developed a new Control Centre concept to manage day\u2011to\u2011day operations.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>West Midlands Combined Authority<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013 audited the Franchising Scheme Assessment focusing on the economic case and network considerations.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>North East&nbsp;Combined Authority<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013 developed the economic case and contributed to the quantitative evidence base.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>South Yorkshire Combined Authority<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013 defined focused workstreams, milestones, and resource plans at the outset to&nbsp;establish&nbsp;a clear&nbsp;programme&nbsp;vision. We supported franchised network development via&nbsp;lotting&nbsp;strategy, service specifications, service permits, performance\u2011led&nbsp;prioritisation, and coordinated delivery planning.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Liverpool City Region Combined Authority<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013 supported the review and evaluation of the network specification, developed the Economic Case for bus fleet renewal and depot acquisition.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-default\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"2380\" height=\"1500\" src=\"https:\/\/www.systra.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2025\/02\/image-in-insight-rural-buses_-a-lifeline-for-communities.png\" alt=\"Photo of the inside of a bus taken from behind lots of empty seats. At the front a man is sat with a checked orange shirt on and is on the phone.\" class=\"wp-image-30775\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1.5866787967945493;width:965px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.systra.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2025\/02\/image-in-insight-rural-buses_-a-lifeline-for-communities.png 2380w, https:\/\/www.systra.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2025\/02\/image-in-insight-rural-buses_-a-lifeline-for-communities-300x189.png 300w, https:\/\/www.systra.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2025\/02\/image-in-insight-rural-buses_-a-lifeline-for-communities-768x484.png 768w, https:\/\/www.systra.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2025\/02\/image-in-insight-rural-buses_-a-lifeline-for-communities-1024x645.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.systra.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2025\/02\/image-in-insight-rural-buses_-a-lifeline-for-communities-1536x968.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.systra.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2025\/02\/image-in-insight-rural-buses_-a-lifeline-for-communities-2048x1291.png 2048w, https:\/\/www.systra.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2025\/02\/image-in-insight-rural-buses_-a-lifeline-for-communities-474x299.png 474w, https:\/\/www.systra.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2025\/02\/image-in-insight-rural-buses_-a-lifeline-for-communities-1700x1071.png 1700w, https:\/\/www.systra.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2025\/02\/image-in-insight-rural-buses_-a-lifeline-for-communities-1352x852.png 1352w, https:\/\/www.systra.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2025\/02\/image-in-insight-rural-buses_-a-lifeline-for-communities-800x504.png 800w, https:\/\/www.systra.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2025\/02\/image-in-insight-rural-buses_-a-lifeline-for-communities-180x113.png 180w, https:\/\/www.systra.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2025\/02\/image-in-insight-rural-buses_-a-lifeline-for-communities-153x96.png 153w, https:\/\/www.systra.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2025\/02\/image-in-insight-rural-buses_-a-lifeline-for-communities-230x145.png 230w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2380px) 100vw, 2380px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-systra-projects-nbsp-0\"><strong>SYSTRA projects<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>We\u2019ll&nbsp;start with a short conversation with key stakeholders to understand where you are, what you want to achieve, and any limits on time, budget, or data. We can then set out a step\u2011by\u2011step plan that meets the&nbsp;DfT&nbsp;requirements. From there,&nbsp;we\u2019ll&nbsp;work with you to draft the Expression of Interest and make sure everything is clear, complete, and ready to&nbsp;submit.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>This collaborative approach means you will&nbsp;benefit&nbsp;from our team\u2019s recent and relevant experience of working on franchising.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-nbsp-we-ll-nbsp-prepare-with-you-nbsp\"><strong>What&nbsp;we\u2019ll&nbsp;prepare with you<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s&nbsp;important&nbsp;that&nbsp;everybody involved in the process understands that conversations and plans are not enough to get the work over the line.&nbsp;It\u2019s&nbsp;why we at SYSTRA focus on whole lifecycle support \u2013 offering clear points of contact and defined deliverables to support submissions. It means our teams will help you produce:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A simple&nbsp;programme&nbsp;plan with clear milestones for each&nbsp;financial year.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A&nbsp;costed&nbsp;scope that fits within the funding caps.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A short Public Sector Equality&nbsp;Duty&nbsp;&nbsp;statement&nbsp;and a practical monitoring and evaluation plan.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>An outline for the subsidy control annex to guide your legal advisers.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>These items match the requirements set out in the form and guidance, including the need to describe your&nbsp;programme, funding profile by year, equality duty, and monitoring and evaluation approach. They also reflect the guidance on attaching legal advice on subsidy control.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-get-in-touch-with-nbsp-systra-s-bus-team-nbsp\"><strong>Get in touch with&nbsp;SYSTRA\u2019s bus team<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>If you would like help shaping your EOI or exploring the right franchising pathway for your area, we would be delighted to set up an exploratory meeting. Reach out to any of our specialists:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Neill&nbsp;Birch:&nbsp;<\/strong><a href=\"mailto:nbirch@systra.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>nbirch@systra.com<\/strong><\/a>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Brian Drury:&nbsp;<\/strong><a href=\"mailto:bdrury@systra.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>bdrury@systra.com<\/strong><\/a>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>James Tomkinson:&nbsp;<\/strong><a href=\"mailto:jtomkinson@systra.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>jtomkinson@systra.com<\/strong><\/a>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Renos\u00a0Livadiotes: <a href=\"mailto:ilivadiotes@systra.com\">ilivadiotes@systra.com<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:64px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group who-pattern-content-feed\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n    <div class=\"who-block-content-feed\">\n        \n\t\t<div class=\"tile tile--services \">\n\t\t<figure class=\"tile__thumbnail\">\n\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"645\" src=\"https:\/\/www.systra.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2023\/05\/l3-service-headers_data-modelling-1024x645.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" \/>\n\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"tile__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"tile__tag__wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"tile__tag\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tservices\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"tile__title\" style=\"color:#fff !important\">Data Modelling<\/h3>\n\n\t\t\t\t<a class=\"tile__link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.systra.com\/uk\/services\/data-modelling\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\tRead more\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> sur Data Modelling<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/figcaption>\n\t\t<\/figure>\n\t<\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n    <div class=\"who-block-content-feed\">\n        \n\t\t<div class=\"tile tile--services \">\n\t\t<figure class=\"tile__thumbnail\">\n\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"645\" src=\"https:\/\/www.systra.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2023\/05\/l3-service-headers_transport-advisory-1-1024x645.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" \/>\n\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"tile__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"tile__tag__wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"tile__tag\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tservices\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"tile__title\" style=\"color:#fff !important\">Transport Advisory<\/h3>\n\n\t\t\t\t<a class=\"tile__link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.systra.com\/uk\/services\/transport-advisory\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\tRead more\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> sur Transport Advisory<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/figcaption>\n\t\t<\/figure>\n\t<\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n    <div class=\"who-block-content-feed\">\n        \n\t\t<div class=\"tile tile--services \">\n\t\t<figure class=\"tile__thumbnail\">\n\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"645\" src=\"https:\/\/www.systra.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2025\/12\/transport-data_01-1024x645.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" \/>\n\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"tile__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"tile__tag__wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"tile__tag\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tservices\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"tile__title\" style=\"color:#fff !important\">Transport Data Analysis &amp; Visualisation<\/h3>\n\n\t\t\t\t<a class=\"tile__link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.systra.com\/uk\/services\/data-science-and-visualisation\/transport-data-analysis-and-visualisation\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\tRead more\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> sur Transport Data Analysis &amp; Visualisation<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/figcaption>\n\t\t<\/figure>\n\t<\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:85px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-100\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-dirty-purple-color has-pale-mauve-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.systra.com\/uk\/register\/join-our-community\/\">JOIN OUR COMMUNITY<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":39839,"template":"","type-insight":[4025],"class_list":["post-66360","expert_insights","type-expert_insights","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","type-insight-buses"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.3 (Yoast SEO v27.3) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Bus franchising: From Expression of Interest to go-live with SYSTRA\u2019s Bus team\u00a0 - SYSTRA UK<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Bus franchising: From Expression of Interest to go-live with SYSTRA\u2019s Bus team\u00a0\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Franchising a bus network is a complex, multi-year transformation that touches governance, markets, data, operations, and public trust. 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