Following our appointment as Liverpool City Region Combined Authority‘s (LCRCA) automatic vehicle location (AVL), real-time information (RTI) and ticketing technology provider, Ticketer franchising infrastructure now drive the only two examples of bus franchising outside of London.
While no two authorities are the same, one thing has become increasingly clear: successful franchising is built upon the right suppliers, technology and collaboration to support public transport for years to come. In this article, we share the principles and learnings we believe the industry should consider when embarking on the transition.
Design before procurement
One of the biggest lessons from early franchising programmes is the importance of defining the technology and operational architecture before operators begin bidding for contracts.
Operators need clarity. They need to understand what technology will be provided, who owns it, how services will operate and what they’re bidding for. Without that foundation, procurement becomes more complex for everyone involved.
Taking the time to establish the wider solution upfront creates a smoother transition, reduces uncertainty and enables operators to focus on delivering the best possible services.
Don’t reinvent the wheel
Bus franchising is still relatively new in the UK, but valuable experience now exists across authorities, operators and suppliers.
Every programme has generated lessons – from procurement and governance through to technology deployment, operational readiness and stakeholder engagement.
Authorities considering franchising don’t need to start from scratch. Speaking to organisations and suppliers that have already been through the process can help avoid common pitfalls and accelerate better decision-making.
As Kelly Hanna, Ticketer Chief Executive Officer, explains: “We’ve built partnerships and relationships with authorities, operators and suppliers throughout these deliveries. By sharing Ticketer franchising learnings – both the successes and the challenges – we can help authorities make better informed decisions before they embark on their own journey.”
“We’ve built partnerships and relationships with authorities, operators and suppliers throughout these deliveres. By sharing Ticketer franchising learnings – both the successes and the challenges – we can help authorities make better informed decisions before they embark on their own journey.”
Flex your tech
A common misconception about franchising is that every region will operate in exactly the same way.
In reality, every authority has different priorities, funding models, geography and performance measures. Technology therefore needs to be adaptable rather than prescriptive.
Our experience moving from Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) to LCRCA reinforced this. Rather than starting again, we’ve been able to build on proven Ticketer franchising infrastructure while tailoring reporting, performance monitoring and operational functionality to meet the specific needs of a new authority.
For authorities selecting any type of supplier, the ability to flex and scale is critical for enabling each region’s unique ambitions to be delivered through a proven, adaptable solution.
Brainstorm beyond buses
Bus franchising can be perceived purely through the lens of bus operations – and understandably so. In reality, it’s part of something much bigger.
As regions continue to evolve, authorities are increasingly looking at how transport networks integrate with wider public services, data and future mobility initiatives.
Technology therefore shouldn’t simply support today’s bus network; it should provide the platform for whatever comes next – whether that’s greater multi-modal integration, new passenger services or evolving regional transport strategies.
Future-ready technology such as the Ticketer franchising portal allows authorities to expand their ambitions over time rather than replacing systems every few years.
Partnership doesn’t end at go-live
Delivering a franchising programme is the first major milestone in what is a very long journey. Building a successful, sustainable network over the years that follow is an entirely different challenge.
The strongest programmes are built on collaboration between authorities, operators and technology partners, with a shared commitment to continuous improvement after implementation.
As franchising programmes mature, continuous review, performance analysis and collaboration become just as important as the original deployment. Authorities, operators and suppliers must continuously work together to refine services, respond to changing priorities or challenges, and drive ongoing improvements over time.
That’s why successful franchising isn’t simply about supplying technology. It’s about building trusted, long-term partnerships that continuously review, refine and strengthen the network as it evolves.
Ticketer, franchising & the road ahead
No one can say with certainty what bus franchising in the UK will look like over the next five or ten years. Political priorities will evolve, legislation may change, and funding pressures will continue to shape how authorities approach public transport.
What is certain, however, is that authorities will need to make long-term decisions in an environment that continues to change. Whether regions pursue full franchising, enhanced partnerships or another model entirely, success will depend on building flexible technology foundations, learning from those who’ve gone before, and working with partners who understand both the operational and strategic challenges involved.
As Kelly Hanna concludes: “The future of franchising is ultimately uncertain. It really depends on the appetite of transport and local authorities, the budget available and the political landscape.”
“Whatever direction the government goes in or that regions choose, Ticketer’s role is to help our industry make better informed decisions by sharing the lessons we’ve learned from supporting franchising programmes across the UK as well as providing the Ticketer franchising infrastructure to help them deliver their goals.”
“Whatever direction the government goes in or that regions choose, Ticketer’s role is to help our industry make better informed decisions by sharing the lessons we’ve learned from supporting franchising programmes across the UK, as well as providing the Ticketer franchising infrastructure to help them deliver their goals.”
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