The Greater Lincolnshire Transport Board met on 1 April 2026 to discuss progress on the Local Transport Plan, the establishment of a Rural Transport Group, and the transition to a single Greater Lincolnshire Enhanced Partnership for bus services. The Board noted progress on these key initiatives and supported the proposed next steps for each.

The Rural Transport Group

The Board received an update on the establishment of the Mayoral Rural Transport Group, which was launched on 15 January 2026 in Westminster. The group aims to lead national discussions on transport in rural mayoral areas, champion innovation, and work with the Department for Transport (DfT) to address rural connectivity and accessibility challenges. The first meeting focused on demand-responsive transport, bus franchising, fare subsidy, policy development, data sharing, and best practice. The next meeting will be hosted by the DfT in York, focusing on data and best practices for rural bus services. The Board noted the progress made in establishing this group, which is seen as crucial for addressing the disparities in funding and consideration that rural transport currently receives compared to urban transport.

Greater Lincolnshire Local Transport Plan - Programme Update

The Board was updated on the progress of producing a new Greater Lincolnshire Local Transport Plan (LTP). Officers from constituent authorities have been working as a group to advance the programme, which involves several stages including evidence gathering and stakeholder engagement. A key element of this process is the Transport for Greater Lincolnshire initiative, launched on 27 January 2026, which brings together various stakeholders, including rail and bus operators, community transport groups, and the DfT, to discuss current challenges and potential solutions. The Board supported the proposed engagement strategy, which includes virtual workshops, a public roadshow, and an online survey, to gather feedback and inform the development of the LTP. The findings of the scoping exercise and the consultation and engagement programme will be reported back to the next meeting.

Greater Lincolnshire Enhanced Partnership and Bus Service Improvement Plan

The Board considered an implementation plan for transitioning from three existing Enhanced Partnerships (EPs) with bus operators to a single Greater Lincolnshire model, alongside draft terms of reference for the new Greater Lincolnshire Enhanced Partnership Board. This new arrangement is intended to come into effect on 1 April 2027. The report outlined the requirements for the Local Transport Authority (LTA) regarding the EP and Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP). The BSIP will be a strategy document developed in conjunction with bus operators and stakeholders, linked to the emerging Greater Lincolnshire Local Transport Plan. It will set out the LTA's aims for improving bus services, current market conditions, investment plans, and future targets. The Board was asked to approve the draft Terms of Reference for the Greater Lincolnshire Enhanced Partnership Board, the implementation plan, and to publish a notice of intention to create the partnership. The Board also agreed to serve notice on the Constituent Authorities to withdraw the delegation for the preparation of BSIPs, with the GLCCA taking over this function from 1 April 2027. This move is intended to streamline bus service improvements across the region and ensure a unified approach.