We asked the Department whether the only way to deliver benefits to passengers was to pursue franchising, with the associated transfer of risks from the private to the public sector. The Department clarified that local transport authorities must choose between franchising and enhanced partnerships.45 It cited some examples of success achieved through enhanced partnerships, including in Cornwall where local government and bus operators worked together to develop a single ‘Transport for Cornwall’ brand, introduced multi-operator tickets and real-time bus information and co-ordinated bus timetables with train times.46 Bus usage is now 40% above pre-COVID levels in Cornwall.47 Enhanced partnerships have not improved services in every rural area, for example in Dorset, where there has been a continual reduction in services and frequency of those services that are still in action.48 Supporting local authorities to upskill and share good practice