BUS services across Suffolk could be re-shaped thanks to new funding won by the county council.

Suffolk County Council has secured £564,000 in new Department for Transport (DfT) funding to conduct a full feasibility study into bus franchising across the county.

The investment follows the high‑profile roll‑out of franchised bus services in Greater Manchester, alongside pilot studies in six other authorities.

Suffolk is one of the first rural authorities to begin exploring whether greater public control over bus routes, fares and service levels could deliver better outcomes for passengers.

Scenarios to be explored include:

• A single countywide franchise — one unified system covering all of Suffolk
• A joint Suffolk–Norfolk franchise — exploring efficiencies and cross‑border connectivity
• Three franchises aligned to Local Government Reorganisation – reflecting the proposed administrative boundaries
• Smaller, targeted franchises — focused on key towns, corridors, or demand hotspots
• Alternative hybrid approaches — ensuring no promising model is overlooked

Cllr Patti Mulcahy, Suffolk County Council's deputy cabinet member for Highways and Community Infrastructure, said: "This funding is a real vote of confidence in Suffolk and in the work we are doing to improve public transport for our residents.

"Franchising has shown promising results elsewhere in the country, and it is only right that we explore whether it could help us deliver better bus services here in Suffolk.

"This work will ensure that we fully understand the options, costs and benefits before deciding whether franchising is right for our communities."

Franchising is increasingly viewed as a way for councils to take control of bus networks, determining where services run, how frequently they operate, and what fares are charged.

Supporters say this approach ensures routes meet the needs of passengers and communities rather than prioritising commercial returns for operators.

The council says, crucially, the funding means Suffolk can carry out all research at no cost to local taxpayers.

The feasibility study will include consultation with residents, bus companies, district and borough councils, businesses and other stakeholders.

Details on how and when this engagement will take place will be confirmed as the project develops.

Currently, bus services in Suffolk see the county council supplement the commercial network with supported routes, community transport schemes and demand responsive services.