Simple terms explainer: 

Councils have the power to enter into Quality Partnership Schemes with bus operators to improve local bus services. Under these schemes, the council agrees to provide facilities such as bus lanes, shelters, or real-time information systems, while operators commit to meeting certain service standards like vehicle quality, reliability, and accessibility. The aim is to make bus travel more attractive and efficient for passengers. These partnerships are voluntary but legally binding once agreed, and they help councils deliver better public transport without directly running the services themselves.