The Transport Committee of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority met on Wednesday 17 June 2026 to discuss a range of transport-related issues. Key decisions included recommending the allocation of Section 106 developer funds for bus services, noting progress on the Greater Cambridge Transport Strategy, and receiving updates on the Bus Network Reimagined project and the Transport Focus 2025 Your Bus Journey Survey. The committee also discussed the management of the Local Transport Delivery Plan and wider capital transport programme, and heard an independent review into bus franchising implementation pathways.

Development Funding for Bus Services

The committee recommended to the Combined Authority Board the approval of allocated spend for proposed Section 106 developer funds. This funding will support bus services across the area, including maintaining the socially necessary Cambridge – Northstowe Citi 5 service and ongoing community transport projects in Northstowe and Sawtry. Delegated authority was given to the Assistant Director of Public Transport, in consultation with the Chief Finance Officer and Monitoring Officer, to enter into grant funding agreements. The committee also noted follow-on work and detailed design for available developer funding into the Network Reimagining project.

Greater Cambridge Transport Strategy (GCTS)

Progress on the GCTS was noted, with a planned route to formal approval in November 2026. The committee recommended to the Combined Authority Board the approval of the accompanying interim technical report prepared by Steer, which serves as the agreed interim strategic position for the emerging GCTS. Councillor Tim Hirst, representing Cambridgeshire County Council, highlighted the strategy's vital role in demonstrating the soundness of the Greater Cambridge Local Plan, particularly in addressing congestion and prioritising bus and active transport. Councillor Alex Beckett also expressed support but raised concerns about the strategy's reliance on buses, the lack of member involvement in working groups, and the need for greater ambition in connectivity outcomes for less urban areas, as well as road safety and the integration of self-driving vehicles.

Bus Network Reimagined Project - Update

Members were updated on the progress of the Bus Network Reimagined Project, which aims to develop a more sustainable, reliable, and integrated bus network. The report noted the stakeholder engagement activity undertaken to date, including discussions with neighbouring local authorities, operators, and local stakeholders. The next stages of work, including ongoing consultation, further affordability assessments, and continued development of proposed network changes, were also outlined. Councillor Alan Sharp raised concerns about the proposed Peterborough Orbital Service, suggesting more work was needed to ensure it truly served as an orbital route. Councillor Alex Boulat expressed concerns that the language used in the report could be interpreted as code for cuts, and urged for ambition to grow the bus network rather than shrink it.

Transport Focus 2025 Your Bus Journey Survey

The committee noted the key findings from the Transport Focus 2025 Your Bus Journey Survey for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. The survey indicated an overall journey satisfaction rate of 84%, slightly below the England average. Areas for improvement were identified in information provision and the general condition and maintenance of bus stops. The Combined Authority has allocated £1 million of capital funding for targeted improvements to bus stops, bays, and shelters across the region. Councillor Mark Wood raised concerns about the lack of specific mention of bus stations in the survey findings, while Councillor Alex Boulat questioned how passenger participation in surveys would translate into positive outcomes.

Budget and Performance Report

The committee noted the outturn financial position of the Transport division for the financial year 25/26 and the updated budget for the next four years. Councillor Alex Boulat raised concerns about underspends in active travel funding, questioning whether this indicated under-delivery or under-budgeting. Officers clarified that some funding had been received in advance for future years' expenditure and that invoicing issues with partners were being addressed.

Bus Franchising: Independent Review and Strategic Delivery Plan

The committee received an update on the Bus Franchising Scheme following an independent review chaired by Leon Daniels OBE. The review recommended a hybrid implementation pathway, combining direct awards and service permits with a phased introduction of competitively tendered franchise contracts. This approach aims to balance risk, encourage market participation, and allow for the completion of new depots in Peterborough and Cambridge. Councillor Alex Boulat expressed concerns about the projected reduction in bus services due to financial constraints, while Councillor Tim Bick questioned the affordability of the proposed model and suggested challenging political constraints on funding. Councillor Mark Wood highlighted the risk of franchising being blamed for network decline, when funding is the primary challenge. Leon Daniels, the independent chair, discussed the potential for autonomous vehicles to impact future transport and franchising models. The committee voted to move into private session to discuss exempt information related to the Strategic Delivery Plan.

Community Transport Review

The committee noted the programme plan based on the findings of a commissioned review of community transport. Progress on individual projects, including the disbursement of Section 106 funding, was also noted. A key decision was made regarding the future of the South Cambridgeshire Taxi Voucher Scheme, with the committee recommending to the Combined Authority Board that provision should not be expanded and should continue with current arrangements, subject to means testing for existing members from 2027/28. Councillor Alex Beckett raised concerns about the historical exclusion of Cambridge City from taxi voucher provision and the lack of detail on the proposed dial-a-ride service enhancements.

Management of the Local Transport Delivery Plan and Wider Capital (Transport) Programme

The committee noted the progress made since the approval of the Local Transport Delivery Plan (LTDP) in March 2026. Arrangements for monitoring and reporting delivery against the Department for Transport's Local Transport Outcomes Framework and associated funding requirements were also noted. The commencement of the Major Capital Programme Review and the proposed approach to reviewing and prioritising the existing programme were also noted. Councillor Angus Ellis emphasised the importance of early consultation and proactive working with constituent highway authorities.

Transport Strategy Update

The committee noted progress on the Transport Strategy workstream and provided comments on the Draft Freight Strategy scope. Councillor Alex Boulat raised concerns about the potential neglect of roads affected by fenland soil conditions and the need for government funding. Councillor Agnes Ellis inquired about driver welfare within the freight strategy.

Bus Stop/Shelter Infrastructure Improvement

The committee noted the approach being taken to develop prioritised proposals for investment of CPCA capital to improve bus stops and shelters across the CPCA area. Councillor Mark Wood requested that bus stations be included in future surveys, and officers confirmed this would be considered.

Budget and Performance Report

The committee noted the outturn financial position of the Transport division for the financial year 25/26 and the updated budget for the next four years. Councillor Alex Boulat raised concerns about underspends in active travel funding, which officers clarified were due to reprofiling and invoicing delays.

Work Programme

The committee noted the Transport Committee Work Programme. Councillor Adam Souter inquired about an update on the A10 scheme, and was informed that no decision had yet been made.

Exclusion of the Press and Public

It was resolved that the press and public be excluded from the meeting on the grounds that the next item contained exempt information under Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972, as amended, and that it would not be in the public interest for this information to be disclosed.

Bus Franchising: Independent Review into Bus Franchising Implementation Pathways, Strategic Delivery Plan and Next Steps

The committee received an update on the Bus Franchising Scheme following the conclusion of an independent review. The review recommended a hybrid implementation pathway, combining direct awards and service permits with a phased introduction of competitively tendered franchise contracts. This approach aims to balance risk, encourage market participation, and allow for the completion of new depots in Peterborough and Cambridge. Councillor Alex Boulat expressed concerns about the projected reduction in bus services due to financial constraints, while Councillor Tim Bick questioned the affordability of the proposed model and suggested challenging political constraints on funding. Leon Daniels, the independent chair, discussed the potential for autonomous vehicles to impact future transport and franchising models. The committee voted to move into private session to discuss exempt information related to the Strategic Delivery Plan.

Date of Next Meeting

The date of the next meeting was confirmed as Wednesday, 9 September 2026.