diff --git a/src/pipecat/bus/__init__.py b/src/pipecat/bus/__init__.py
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..fbd24354a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/pipecat/bus/__init__.py
@@ -0,0 +1,88 @@
+#
+# Copyright (c) 2026, Daily
+#
+# SPDX-License-Identifier: BSD 2-Clause License
+#
+
+"""Agent bus package -- pub/sub messaging between agents and the runner.
+
+Provides the pub/sub infrastructure that connects agents to each other and to
+the runner. Key components:
+
+- `TaskBus` -- abstract base class defining the send/receive interface.
+- `AsyncQueueBus` -- in-process implementation backed by ``asyncio.Queue``.
+- `BusBridgeProcessor` -- bidirectional mid-pipeline bridge for
+  transport/session agents that exchanges frames with other agents
+  through the bus.
+- `BusMessage` and its subclasses -- the typed message hierarchy used for
+  agent lifecycle events (activation, cancellation, shutdown), task
+  coordination, and frame transport.
+"""
+
+from pipecat.bus.bridge_processor import BusBridgeProcessor
+from pipecat.bus.bus import TaskBus
+from pipecat.bus.local import AsyncQueueBus
+from pipecat.bus.messages import (
+    BusActivateTaskMessage,
+    BusAddTaskMessage,
+    BusCancelMessage,
+    BusCancelTaskMessage,
+    BusDataMessage,
+    BusDeactivateTaskMessage,
+    BusEndMessage,
+    BusEndTaskMessage,
+    BusFrameMessage,
+    BusJobCancelMessage,
+    BusJobRequestMessage,
+    BusJobResponseMessage,
+    BusJobResponseUrgentMessage,
+    BusJobStreamDataMessage,
+    BusJobStreamEndMessage,
+    BusJobStreamStartMessage,
+    BusJobUpdateMessage,
+    BusJobUpdateRequestMessage,
+    BusJobUpdateUrgentMessage,
+    BusLocalMessage,
+    BusMessage,
+    BusSystemMessage,
+    BusTaskErrorMessage,
+    BusTaskLocalErrorMessage,
+    BusTaskReadyMessage,
+    BusTaskRegistryMessage,
+)
+from pipecat.bus.subscriber import BusSubscriber
+from pipecat.registry.types import TaskRegistryEntry
+
+__all__ = [
+    "TaskBus",
+    "AsyncQueueBus",
+    "BusActivateTaskMessage",
+    "BusAddTaskMessage",
+    "BusTaskErrorMessage",
+    "BusTaskLocalErrorMessage",
+    "TaskRegistryEntry",
+    "BusTaskReadyMessage",
+    "BusTaskRegistryMessage",
+    "BusBridgeProcessor",
+    "BusCancelTaskMessage",
+    "BusCancelMessage",
+    "BusDeactivateTaskMessage",
+    "BusEndTaskMessage",
+    "BusEndMessage",
+    "BusFrameMessage",
+    "BusDataMessage",
+    "BusLocalMessage",
+    "BusMessage",
+    "BusSubscriber",
+    "BusSystemMessage",
+    "BusJobCancelMessage",
+    "BusJobRequestMessage",
+    "BusJobResponseMessage",
+    "BusJobResponseUrgentMessage",
+    "BusJobStreamDataMessage",
+    "BusJobStreamEndMessage",
+    "BusJobStreamStartMessage",
+    "BusJobUpdateMessage",
+    "BusJobUpdateRequestMessage",
+    "BusJobUpdateUrgentMessage",
+]
diff --git a/src/pipecat/bus/adapters/__init__.py b/src/pipecat/bus/adapters/__init__.py
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..892fbb996
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/pipecat/bus/adapters/__init__.py
@@ -0,0 +1,21 @@
+#
+# Copyright (c) 2026, Daily
+#
+# SPDX-License-Identifier: BSD 2-Clause License
+#
+
+"""Type adapters for bus message serialization.
+
+Provides ready-made ``TypeAdapter`` implementations for common Pipecat types
+(``LLMContext``, ``ToolsSchema``) used in bus messages.
+"""
+
+from pipecat.bus.adapters.base import TypeAdapter
+from pipecat.bus.adapters.llm_context_adapter import LLMContextAdapter
+from pipecat.bus.adapters.tools_schema_adapter import ToolsSchemaAdapter
+
+__all__ = [
+    "LLMContextAdapter",
+    "ToolsSchemaAdapter",
+    "TypeAdapter",
+]
diff --git a/src/pipecat/bus/adapters/base.py b/src/pipecat/bus/adapters/base.py
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..564671040
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/pipecat/bus/adapters/base.py
@@ -0,0 +1,59 @@
+#
+# Copyright (c) 2026, Daily
+#
+# SPDX-License-Identifier: BSD 2-Clause License
+#
+
+"""Abstract base class for type adapters used by message serializers."""
+
+from abc import ABC, abstractmethod
+from collections.abc import Callable
+from typing import Any
+
+SerializeFunc = Callable[[Any], Any]
+DeserializeFunc = Callable[[Any], Any]
+
+
+class TypeAdapter(ABC):
+    """Serialize and deserialize instances of a specific type for network transport.
+
+    Each adapter handles one or more types, converting them to/from a
+    JSON-compatible dict. Register adapters on a ``JSONMessageSerializer``
+    to handle non-JSON-native field values (e.g. ``LLMContext``, ``ToolsSchema``).
+
+    Adapters receive ``serialize_value`` and ``deserialize_value`` callbacks
+    from the serializer so they can recursively serialize nested fields
+    without importing the serializer itself.
+    """
+
+    @abstractmethod
+    def serialize(self, obj: Any, serialize_value: SerializeFunc) -> dict[str, Any]:
+        """Convert an object to a JSON-compatible dict.
+
+        Args:
+            obj: The object to serialize.
+            serialize_value: Callback to recursively serialize nested values.
+
+        Returns:
+            A dict representation of the object.
+        """
+        pass
+
+    @abstractmethod
+    def deserialize(
+        self,
+        data: dict[str, Any],
+        deserialize_value: DeserializeFunc,
+        target_type: type | None = None,
+    ) -> Any:
+        """Reconstruct an object from a dict.
+
+        Args:
+            data: The dict representation produced by ``serialize()``.
+            deserialize_value: Callback to recursively deserialize nested values.
+            target_type: The resolved target class. Defaults to None.
+
+        Returns:
+            The reconstructed object.
+        """
+        pass
diff --git a/src/pipecat/bus/adapters/llm_context_adapter.py b/src/pipecat/bus/adapters/llm_context_adapter.py
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..78f573be0
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/pipecat/bus/adapters/llm_context_adapter.py
@@ -0,0 +1,108 @@
+#
+# Copyright (c) 2026, Daily
+#
+# SPDX-License-Identifier: BSD 2-Clause License
+#
+
+"""Type adapter for LLMContext serialization."""
+
+from typing import Any
+
+from openai import NOT_GIVEN as OPENAI_NOT_GIVEN
+
+from pipecat.adapters.schemas.function_schema import FunctionSchema
+from pipecat.adapters.schemas.tools_schema import ToolsSchema
+from pipecat.bus.adapters.base import DeserializeFunc, SerializeFunc, TypeAdapter
+from pipecat.processors.aggregators.llm_context import (
+    LLMContext,
+    LLMSpecificMessage,
+    NotGiven,
+)
+
+
+class LLMContextAdapter(TypeAdapter):
+    """Serialize and deserialize ``LLMContext`` instances.
+
+    The ``NOT_GIVEN`` sentinel is preserved across serialization: missing
+    keys are restored as ``NOT_GIVEN`` on deserialization.
+    """
+
+    def serialize(self, obj: Any, serialize_value: SerializeFunc) -> dict[str, Any]:
+        """Serialize an ``LLMContext`` to a JSON-compatible dict.
+
+        Args:
+            obj: An ``LLMContext`` instance.
+            serialize_value: Callback to recursively serialize nested values.
+
+        Returns:
+            A dict with ``messages`` and, optionally, ``tools`` and
+            ``tool_choice`` keys.
+        """
+        result: dict[str, Any] = {
+            "messages": [self._serialize_message(m, serialize_value) for m in obj.messages],
+        }
+        if not isinstance(obj.tools, NotGiven):
+            result["tools"] = self._serialize_tools(obj.tools)
+        if not isinstance(obj.tool_choice, NotGiven):
+            result["tool_choice"] = serialize_value(obj.tool_choice)
+        return result
+
+    def deserialize(
+        self,
+        data: dict[str, Any],
+        deserialize_value: DeserializeFunc,
+        target_type: type | None = None,
+    ) -> Any:
+        """Reconstruct an ``LLMContext`` from a serialized dict.
+
+        Missing ``tools`` and ``tool_choice`` keys are restored as
+        OpenAI's ``NOT_GIVEN`` sentinel.
+
+        Args:
+            data: A dict produced by ``serialize()``.
+            deserialize_value: Callback to recursively deserialize nested values.
+            target_type: Unused. ``LLMContext`` is always the target.
+
+        Returns:
+            A new ``LLMContext`` instance.
+        """
+        messages = [self._deserialize_message(m, deserialize_value) for m in data["messages"]]
+        tools = self._deserialize_tools(data["tools"]) if "tools" in data else OPENAI_NOT_GIVEN
+        tool_choice = (
+            deserialize_value(data["tool_choice"]) if "tool_choice" in data else OPENAI_NOT_GIVEN
+        )
+        return LLMContext(messages=messages, tools=tools, tool_choice=tool_choice)
+
+    def _serialize_message(self, msg: Any, serialize_value: SerializeFunc) -> dict[str, Any]:
+        if isinstance(msg, LLMSpecificMessage):
+            return {
+                "__specific__": True,
+                "llm": msg.llm,
+                "message": serialize_value(msg.message),
+            }
+        return serialize_value(msg)
+
+    def _deserialize_message(self, data: Any, deserialize_value: DeserializeFunc) -> Any:
+        if isinstance(data, dict) and data.get("__specific__"):
+            return LLMSpecificMessage(
+                llm=data["llm"],
+                message=deserialize_value(data["message"]),
+            )
+        return deserialize_value(data)
+
+    def _serialize_tools(self, tools: Any) -> list[dict[str, Any]]:
+        return [tool.to_default_dict() for tool in tools.standard_tools]
+
+    def _deserialize_tools(self, data: list[dict[str, Any]]) -> Any:
+        tools = []
+        for item in data:
+            params = item.get("parameters", {})
+            tools.append(
+                FunctionSchema(
+                    name=item["name"],
+                    description=item.get("description", ""),
+                    properties=params.get("properties", {}),
+                    required=params.get("required", []),
+                )
+            )
+        return ToolsSchema(standard_tools=tools)
diff --git a/src/pipecat/bus/adapters/tools_schema_adapter.py b/src/pipecat/bus/adapters/tools_schema_adapter.py
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..3c4f712ed
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/pipecat/bus/adapters/tools_schema_adapter.py
@@ -0,0 +1,58 @@
+#
+# Copyright (c) 2026, Daily
+#
+# SPDX-License-Identifier: BSD 2-Clause License
+#
+
+"""Type adapter for ToolsSchema serialization."""
+
+from typing import Any
+
+from pipecat.adapters.schemas.function_schema import FunctionSchema
+from pipecat.adapters.schemas.tools_schema import ToolsSchema
+from pipecat.bus.adapters.base import DeserializeFunc, SerializeFunc, TypeAdapter
+
+
+class ToolsSchemaAdapter(TypeAdapter):
+    """Serialize and deserialize ``ToolsSchema`` instances for network transport."""
+
+    def serialize(self, obj: Any, serialize_value: SerializeFunc) -> dict[str, Any]:
+        """Serialize a ``ToolsSchema`` to a JSON-compatible dict.
+
+        Args:
+            obj: A ``ToolsSchema`` instance.
+            serialize_value: Callback to recursively serialize nested values.
+
+        Returns:
+            A dict with a ``standard_tools`` list.
+        """
+        return {"standard_tools": [tool.to_default_dict() for tool in obj.standard_tools]}
+
+    def deserialize(
+        self,
+        data: dict[str, Any],
+        deserialize_value: DeserializeFunc,
+        target_type: type | None = None,
+    ) -> Any:
+        """Reconstruct a ``ToolsSchema`` from a serialized dict.
+
+        Args:
+            data: A dict produced by ``serialize()``.
+            deserialize_value: Callback to recursively deserialize nested values.
+            target_type: Unused. ``ToolsSchema`` is always the target.
+
+        Returns:
+            A new ``ToolsSchema`` instance.
+        """
+        tools = []
+        for item in data["standard_tools"]:
+            params = item.get("parameters", {})
+            tools.append(
+                FunctionSchema(
+                    name=item["name"],
+                    description=item.get("description", ""),
+                    properties=params.get("properties", {}),
+                    required=params.get("required", []),
+                )
+            )
+        return ToolsSchema(standard_tools=tools)
diff --git a/src/pipecat/bus/bridge_processor.py b/src/pipecat/bus/bridge_processor.py
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..da8690c56
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/pipecat/bus/bridge_processor.py
@@ -0,0 +1,233 @@
+#
+# Copyright (c) 2026, Daily
+#
+# SPDX-License-Identifier: BSD 2-Clause License
+#
+
+"""Bus bridge and edge processors for inter-task frame routing.
+
+Provides:
+
+- `BusBridgeProcessor`: a mid-pipeline processor that exchanges frames
+  with other tasks through the bus, consuming local frames.
+- `_BusEdgeProcessor`: a pipeline-edge processor used internally by
+  `PipelineTask` when ``bridged`` is set. Tees frames between the local
+  pipeline and the bus (frames continue locally and are also forwarded
+  to the bus).
+"""
+
+from typing import TYPE_CHECKING
+
+from pipecat.bus.bus import TaskBus
+from pipecat.bus.messages import BusFrameMessage, BusMessage
+from pipecat.bus.subscriber import BusSubscriber
+from pipecat.frames.frames import (
+    CancelFrame,
+    EndFrame,
+    Frame,
+    OutputTransportMessageUrgentFrame,
+    StartFrame,
+    StopFrame,
+)
+from pipecat.processors.frame_processor import FrameDirection, FrameProcessor, FrameProcessorSetup
+
+if TYPE_CHECKING:
+    from pipecat.pipeline.base_task import BaseTask
+
+_LIFECYCLE_FRAMES = (StartFrame, EndFrame, CancelFrame, StopFrame)
+_PASSTHROUGH_FRAMES = (OutputTransportMessageUrgentFrame,)
+
+
+class BusBridgeProcessor(FrameProcessor, BusSubscriber):
+    """Bidirectional mid-pipeline bridge between a Pipecat pipeline and the bus.
+
+    Placed in a transport or session agent's pipeline to exchange frames
+    with other agents via the `TaskBus`. Lifecycle and excluded frames
+    pass through locally without crossing the bus.
+    """
+
+    def __init__(
+        self,
+        *,
+        bus: TaskBus,
+        agent_name: str,
+        target_agent: str | None = None,
+        bridge: str | None = None,
+        exclude_frames: tuple[type[Frame], ...] | None = None,
+        **kwargs,
+    ):
+        """Initialize the BusBridgeProcessor.
+
+        Args:
+            bus: The ``TaskBus`` to exchange frames with.
+            agent_name: Name of this agent, used as message source.
+            target_agent: When set, only exchange frames with this agent.
+            bridge: Optional bridge name for routing. When set, outgoing
+                frames are tagged with this name and only incoming frames
+                with the same bridge name are accepted.
+            exclude_frames: Extra frame types that should never cross the bus
+                (on top of lifecycle frames which are always excluded).
+            **kwargs: Additional arguments passed to ``FrameProcessor``.
+        """
+        super().__init__(**kwargs)
+        self._bus = bus
+        self._agent_name = agent_name
+        self._target_agent = target_agent
+        self._bridge = bridge
+        self._exclude_frames = exclude_frames or ()
+
+    async def setup(self, setup: FrameProcessorSetup):
+        """Subscribe to the bus during processor setup."""
+        await super().setup(setup)
+        await self._bus.subscribe(self)
+
+    async def cleanup(self):
+        """Unsubscribe from the bus on cleanup."""
+        await super().cleanup()
+        await self._bus.unsubscribe(self)
+
+    async def process_frame(self, frame: Frame, direction: FrameDirection):
+        """Process a frame: send to bus, or pass through locally if excluded.
+
+        Args:
+            frame: The frame to process.
+            direction: The direction the frame is traveling.
+        """
+        await super().process_frame(frame, direction)
+
+        # Lifecycle frames never cross the bus
+        if isinstance(frame, _LIFECYCLE_FRAMES):
+            await self.push_frame(frame, direction)
+            return
+
+        # Urgent transport frames pass through directly. They need to
+        # reach the transport even when no child agent is active yet.
+        if isinstance(frame, _PASSTHROUGH_FRAMES):
+            await self.push_frame(frame, direction)
+            return
+
+        # Excluded frames never cross the bus
+        if self._exclude_frames and isinstance(frame, self._exclude_frames):
+            await self.push_frame(frame, direction)
+            return
+
+        # Send to bus
+        msg = BusFrameMessage(
+            source=self._agent_name,
+            frame=frame,
+            direction=direction,
+            bridge=self._bridge,
+        )
+        await self._bus.send(msg)
+
+    async def on_bus_message(self, message: BusMessage) -> None:
+        """Handle an incoming bus message by pushing its frame into the pipeline.
+
+        Args:
+            message: The bus message to handle.
+        """
+        if not isinstance(message, BusFrameMessage):
+            return
+
+        # Skip own frames
+        if message.source == self._agent_name:
+            return
+
+        # Filter by bridge name
+        if self._bridge and message.bridge != self._bridge:
+            return
+
+        # If target_agent set, only accept from that agent
+        if self._target_agent and message.source != self._target_agent:
+            return
+
+        # If message targeted at someone else, skip
+        if message.target and message.target != self._agent_name:
+            return
+
+        await self.push_frame(message.frame, message.direction)
+
+
+class _BusEdgeProcessor(FrameProcessor, BusSubscriber):
+    """Pipeline-edge tee between a local pipeline and the bus.
+
+    Placed by `PipelineTask` at the source and sink of a bridged
+    pipeline. Frames always continue through the local pipeline; in
+    addition, frames travelling in ``direction`` are forwarded to the
+    bus, and frames received from the bus in the opposite direction
+    are injected into the pipeline.
+    """
+
+    def __init__(
+        self,
+        *,
+        bus: TaskBus,
+        task: "BaseTask",
+        direction: FrameDirection,
+        bridges: tuple[str, ...] = (),
+        exclude_frames: tuple[type[Frame], ...] | None = None,
+        **kwargs,
+    ):
+        """Initialize the edge processor.
+
+        Args:
+            bus: The ``TaskBus`` to exchange frames with.
+            task: The owning task; ``task.name`` is the message source
+                and ``task.active`` gates inbound frames.
+            direction: Direction this edge captures and forwards to the
+                bus. Inbound frames from the bus travelling in the
+                opposite direction are injected here.
+            bridges: Bridge names this edge accepts. Empty tuple accepts
+                frames from all bridges.
+            exclude_frames: Extra frame types that should never cross
+                the bus (lifecycle frames are always excluded).
+            **kwargs: Additional arguments passed to ``FrameProcessor``.
+        """
+        super().__init__(**kwargs)
+        self._bus = bus
+        self._task = task
+        self._direction = direction
+        self._bridges = bridges
+        self._exclude_frames = exclude_frames or ()
+
+    async def setup(self, setup: FrameProcessorSetup):
+        """Subscribe to the bus during processor setup."""
+        await super().setup(setup)
+        await self._bus.subscribe(self)
+
+    async def cleanup(self):
+        """Unsubscribe from the bus on cleanup."""
+        await super().cleanup()
+        await self._bus.unsubscribe(self)
+
+    async def process_frame(self, frame: Frame, direction: FrameDirection):
+        """Pass the frame through locally and forward matching ones to the bus."""
+        await super().process_frame(frame, direction)
+        await self.push_frame(frame, direction)
+
+        if direction != self._direction:
+            return
+        if isinstance(frame, _LIFECYCLE_FRAMES):
+            return
+        if self._exclude_frames and isinstance(frame, self._exclude_frames):
+            return
+
+        await self._bus.send(
+            BusFrameMessage(source=self._task.name, frame=frame, direction=direction)
+        )
+
+    async def on_bus_message(self, message: BusMessage) -> None:
+        """Inject incoming bus frames into the pipeline."""
+        if not isinstance(message, BusFrameMessage):
+            return
+        if message.source == self._task.name:
+            return
+        if message.direction == self._direction:
+            return
+        if not self._task.active:
+            return
+        if message.target and message.target != self._task.name:
+            return
+        if self._bridges and message.bridge not in self._bridges:
+            return
+        await self.push_frame(message.frame, message.direction)
diff --git a/src/pipecat/bus/bus.py b/src/pipecat/bus/bus.py
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..e81fd0abd
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/pipecat/bus/bus.py
@@ -0,0 +1,183 @@
+#
+# Copyright (c) 2026, Daily
+#
+# SPDX-License-Identifier: BSD 2-Clause License
+#
+
+"""Abstract agent bus for inter-agent pub/sub messaging.
+
+Provides the abstract `TaskBus` base class. Concrete implementations
+(e.g. `AsyncQueueBus`) live in separate modules.
+"""
+
+import asyncio
+from abc import abstractmethod
+from dataclasses import dataclass, field
+
+from pipecat.bus.messages import BusLocalMessage, BusMessage
+from pipecat.bus.queue import BusMessageQueue
+from pipecat.bus.subscriber import BusSubscriber
+from pipecat.frames.frames import SystemFrame
+from pipecat.utils.base_object import BaseObject
+
+
+@dataclass
+class BusSubscription:
+    """A single subscriber's state on the bus.
+
+    Parameters:
+        subscriber: The subscriber receiving messages.
+        queue: Priority queue for incoming messages.
+        data_queue: Secondary queue for data messages dispatched by
+            the router task.
+        router_task: Task that reads from the priority queue, handles
+            system messages inline, and routes data messages to the
+            data queue.
+        data_task: Task that processes data messages sequentially from
+            the data queue.
+    """
+
+    subscriber: BusSubscriber
+    queue: BusMessageQueue = field(default_factory=BusMessageQueue, repr=False)
+    data_queue: asyncio.Queue = field(default_factory=asyncio.Queue, repr=False)
+    router_task: asyncio.Task | None = field(default=None, repr=False)
+    data_task: asyncio.Task | None = field(default=None, repr=False)
+
+
+class TaskBus(BaseObject):
+    """Abstract base for inter-agent and runner-agent communication.
+
+    Provides pub/sub messaging where each subscriber receives messages
+    independently through its own priority queue. System messages
+    (e.g. cancel) are delivered before normal data messages.
+
+    Subclasses implement ``publish()`` for the specific transport.
+    ``send()`` handles local-only messages automatically. For network
+    buses, override ``start()``/``stop()`` to manage connections and
+    call ``on_message_received()`` when messages arrive from the
+    network.
+    """
+
+    def __init__(self, **kwargs):
+        """Initialize the TaskBus.
+
+        Args:
+            **kwargs: Additional arguments passed to `BaseObject`.
+        """
+        super().__init__(**kwargs)
+        self._subscriptions: dict[str, BusSubscription] = {}
+        self._running = False
+
+    async def start(self):
+        """Start dispatch tasks for all registered subscribers."""
+        if self._running:
+            return
+        self._running = True
+        for sub in self._subscriptions.values():
+            self._start_dispatch_task(sub)
+        # Schedule tasks right away.
+        await asyncio.sleep(0)
+
+    async def stop(self):
+        """Stop all dispatch tasks."""
+        if not self._running:
+            return
+        self._running = False
+        for sub in self._subscriptions.values():
+            if sub.router_task:
+                await self.cancel_task(sub.router_task)
+                sub.router_task = None
+            if sub.data_task:
+                await self.cancel_task(sub.data_task)
+                sub.data_task = None
+
+    async def subscribe(self, subscriber: BusSubscriber) -> None:
+        """Register a subscriber to receive messages from the bus.
+
+        Args:
+            subscriber: The `BusSubscriber` to register.
+        """
+        sub = BusSubscription(subscriber=subscriber)
+        if self._running:
+            self._start_dispatch_task(sub)
+            # Schedule task right away.
+            await asyncio.sleep(0)
+        if subscriber.name in self._subscriptions:
+            raise ValueError(f"Subscriber '{subscriber.name}' is already registered on the bus")
+        self._subscriptions[subscriber.name] = sub
+
+    async def unsubscribe(self, subscriber: BusSubscriber) -> None:
+        """Remove a subscriber and cancel its dispatch tasks.
+
+        Args:
+            subscriber: The `BusSubscriber` to remove.
+        """
+        sub = self._subscriptions.pop(subscriber.name, None)
+        if sub:
+            if sub.router_task:
+                await self.cancel_task(sub.router_task)
+            if sub.data_task:
+                await self.cancel_task(sub.data_task)
+
+    async def send(self, message: BusMessage) -> None:
+        """Send a message through the bus.
+
+        Local-only messages are delivered directly to subscribers.
+        All other messages are passed to ``publish()`` for transport.
+
+        Args:
+            message: The bus message to send.
+        """
+        if isinstance(message, BusLocalMessage):
+            self.on_message_received(message)
+            return
+        await self.publish(message)
+
+    @abstractmethod
+    async def publish(self, message: BusMessage) -> None:
+        """Publish a message to the transport.
+
+        Subclasses implement this for the specific transport. Called
+        by ``send()`` after filtering local-only messages.
+
+        Args:
+            message: The bus message to publish.
+        """
+        pass
+
+    def on_message_received(self, message: BusMessage) -> None:
+        """Deliver a message to all local subscribers via their priority queues.
+
+        Called by bus implementations when a message arrives (either from
+        a local ``send()`` or from a network transport).
+        """
+        for sub in self._subscriptions.values():
+            sub.queue.put_nowait(message)
+
+    def _start_dispatch_task(self, sub: BusSubscription) -> None:
+        """Start the router and data dispatch tasks for a subscriber."""
+        sub.router_task = self.create_task(self._router_task(sub), f"bus_router_{sub.subscriber}")
+        sub.data_task = self.create_task(
+            self._data_dispatch_task(sub), f"bus_data_{sub.subscriber}"
+        )
+
+    async def _router_task(self, sub: BusSubscription):
+        """Route system messages inline, data messages to the data queue."""
+        try:
+            while True:
+                message = await sub.queue.get()
+                if isinstance(message, SystemFrame):
+                    await sub.subscriber.on_bus_message(message)
+                else:
+                    sub.data_queue.put_nowait(message)
+        except asyncio.CancelledError:
+            pass
+
+    async def _data_dispatch_task(self, sub: BusSubscription):
+        """Process data messages sequentially from the data queue."""
+        try:
+            while True:
+                message = await sub.data_queue.get()
+                await sub.subscriber.on_bus_message(message)
+        except asyncio.CancelledError:
+            pass
diff --git a/src/pipecat/bus/local/__init__.py b/src/pipecat/bus/local/__init__.py
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..6c1892c43
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/pipecat/bus/local/__init__.py
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+#
+# Copyright (c) 2026, Daily
+#
+# SPDX-License-Identifier: BSD 2-Clause License
+#
+
+"""Local (in-process) bus implementations."""
+
+from pipecat.bus.local.async_queue import AsyncQueueBus
+
+__all__ = ["AsyncQueueBus"]
diff --git a/src/pipecat/bus/local/async_queue.py b/src/pipecat/bus/local/async_queue.py
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..2ef82cef7
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/pipecat/bus/local/async_queue.py
@@ -0,0 +1,25 @@
+#
+# Copyright (c) 2026, Daily
+#
+# SPDX-License-Identifier: BSD 2-Clause License
+#
+
+"""In-process agent bus backed by asyncio queues."""
+
+from loguru import logger
+
+from pipecat.bus.bus import TaskBus
+from pipecat.bus.messages import BusMessage
+
+
+class AsyncQueueBus(TaskBus):
+    """In-process bus that delivers messages via priority queues."""
+
+    async def publish(self, message: BusMessage) -> None:
+        """Deliver a message to all local subscriber queues.
+
+        Args:
+            message: The bus message to deliver.
+        """
+        logger.trace(f"{self}: sending {message}")
+        self.on_message_received(message)
diff --git a/src/pipecat/bus/messages.py b/src/pipecat/bus/messages.py
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..8a6f27827
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/pipecat/bus/messages.py
@@ -0,0 +1,407 @@
+#
+# Copyright (c) 2026, Daily
+#
+# SPDX-License-Identifier: BSD 2-Clause License
+#
+
+"""Bus message types for inter-agent communication.
+
+Defines the message hierarchy used by the `TaskBus` for pub/sub messaging
+between agents, the session, and the runner.
+"""
+
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+from dataclasses import dataclass
+from typing import TYPE_CHECKING
+
+from pipecat.frames.frames import DataFrame, Frame, SystemFrame
+from pipecat.processors.frame_processor import FrameDirection
+from pipecat.registry.types import TaskRegistryEntry
+
+if TYPE_CHECKING:
+    from pipecat.pipeline.base_task import BaseTask
+    from pipecat.pipeline.job_context import JobStatus
+
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+# Base types and mixins
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+class BusMessage:
+    """Mixin carrying source/target metadata for bus messages.
+
+    Not a frame itself. Combined with ``DataFrame`` or ``SystemFrame``
+    to create concrete message types with appropriate priority.
+    """
+
+    source: str
+    target: str | None = None
+
+    def __str__(self):
+        return f"{type(self).__name__} (source={self.source}, target={self.target})"
+
+
+class BusLocalMessage:
+    """Mixin: message stays on the local bus, never forwarded to remote buses."""
+
+    pass
+
+
+@dataclass(kw_only=True)
+class BusDataMessage(BusMessage, DataFrame):
+    """Normal-priority bus message.
+
+    Parameters:
+        source: Name of the agent or component that sent this message.
+        target: Name of the intended recipient agent, or None for broadcast.
+    """
+
+    source: str
+    target: str | None = None
+
+
+@dataclass(kw_only=True)
+class BusSystemMessage(BusMessage, SystemFrame):
+    """High-priority bus message that preempts normal messages in subscriber queues.
+
+    Parameters:
+        source: Name of the agent or component that sent this message.
+        target: Name of the intended recipient agent, or None for broadcast.
+    """
+
+    source: str
+    target: str | None = None
+
+
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+# Frame transport
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+@dataclass
+class BusFrameMessage(BusDataMessage):
+    """Wraps a Pipecat `Frame` for transport over the bus.
+
+    Parameters:
+        frame: The Pipecat frame to transport.
+        direction: Direction the frame should travel in the recipient's pipeline.
+        bridge: Optional bridge name for routing in multi-bridge setups.
+    """
+
+    frame: Frame
+    direction: FrameDirection
+    bridge: str | None = None
+
+
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+# Agent lifecycle
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+@dataclass
+class BusActivateTaskMessage(BusDataMessage):
+    """Tells a targeted agent to become active and start processing.
+
+    Parameters:
+        args: Optional activation arguments forwarded to ``on_activated``.
+    """
+
+    args: dict | None = None
+
+
+@dataclass
+class BusDeactivateTaskMessage(BusDataMessage):
+    """Tells a targeted agent to become inactive and stop processing."""
+
+    pass
+
+
+@dataclass
+class BusEndMessage(BusDataMessage):
+    """Request a graceful end of the session.
+
+    Sent by an agent to the runner, which responds by sending
+    `BusEndTaskMessage` to each agent.
+
+    Parameters:
+        reason: Optional human-readable reason for ending.
+    """
+
+    reason: str | None = None
+
+
+@dataclass
+class BusEndTaskMessage(BusDataMessage):
+    """Tells a targeted agent to end its pipeline gracefully.
+
+    Sent by the runner to individual agents during shutdown.
+
+    Parameters:
+        reason: Optional human-readable reason for ending.
+    """
+
+    reason: str | None = None
+
+
+@dataclass
+class BusCancelMessage(BusSystemMessage):
+    """Request a hard cancel of the session.
+
+    Sent by an agent to the runner, which responds by sending
+    `BusCancelTaskMessage` to each agent.
+
+    Parameters:
+        reason: Optional human-readable reason for the cancellation.
+    """
+
+    reason: str | None = None
+
+
+@dataclass
+class BusCancelTaskMessage(BusSystemMessage):
+    """Tells a targeted agent to cancel its pipeline task.
+
+    Sent by the runner to individual agents during cancellation.
+
+    Parameters:
+        reason: Optional human-readable reason for the cancellation.
+    """
+
+    reason: str | None = None
+
+
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+# Agent registry and errors
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+@dataclass
+class BusAddTaskMessage(BusSystemMessage, BusLocalMessage):
+    """Request to add a task to the local runner.
+
+    Local-only: carries an in-memory task reference that cannot be
+    serialized over the network.
+
+    Parameters:
+        task: The task instance to add.
+    """
+
+    task: BaseTask
+
+
+@dataclass
+class BusTaskRegistryMessage(BusSystemMessage):
+    """Snapshot of tasks managed by a runner.
+
+    Sent by the runner on startup and when new runners connect,
+    so that remote runners can discover each other's tasks.
+
+    Parameters:
+        runner: Name of the runner that owns these tasks.
+        tasks: List of task entries with their state.
+    """
+
+    runner: str
+    tasks: list[TaskRegistryEntry]
+
+
+@dataclass
+class BusTaskReadyMessage(BusDataMessage):
+    """Announces that an agent is ready.
+
+    Sent when any agent (root or child) becomes ready. Carries the
+    agent's parent name so observers can reconstruct the full hierarchy.
+
+    Parameters:
+        runner: Name of the runner managing this agent.
+        parent: Name of the parent agent, or None for root agents.
+        active: Whether the agent started active.
+        bridged: Whether the agent is bridged (receives pipeline frames
+            from the bus).
+        started_at: Unix timestamp when the agent became ready.
+    """
+
+    runner: str
+    parent: str | None = None
+    active: bool = False
+    bridged: bool = False
+    started_at: float | None = None
+
+
+@dataclass
+class BusTaskErrorMessage(BusSystemMessage):
+    """Reports an error from a root agent.
+
+    Sent over the network so remote agents can react. For child agent
+    errors, see ``BusTaskLocalErrorMessage``.
+
+    Parameters:
+        error: Description of the error.
+    """
+
+    error: str
+
+
+@dataclass
+class BusTaskLocalErrorMessage(BusSystemMessage, BusLocalMessage):
+    """Reports an error from a child agent to its parent.
+
+    Local-only: never crosses the network. The parent receives it
+    via ``on_task_failed()``.
+
+    Parameters:
+        error: Description of the error.
+    """
+
+    error: str
+
+
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+# Tasks
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+@dataclass
+class BusJobRequestMessage(BusDataMessage):
+    """Requests a task agent to start work.
+
+    Parameters:
+        job_id: Unique identifier for this task.
+        job_name: Optional task name for routing to named handlers.
+        payload: Optional structured data describing the work.
+    """
+
+    job_id: str
+    job_name: str | None = None
+    payload: dict | None = None
+
+
+@dataclass
+class BusJobResponseMessage(BusDataMessage):
+    """Response from a task agent when it completes.
+
+    Parameters:
+        job_id: The task identifier.
+        status: Completion status.
+        response: Optional result data.
+    """
+
+    job_id: str
+    status: JobStatus
+    response: dict | None = None
+
+
+@dataclass
+class BusJobResponseUrgentMessage(BusSystemMessage):
+    """High-priority response from a task agent.
+
+    Same semantics as ``BusJobResponseMessage`` but delivered with
+    system priority, preempting queued data messages.
+
+    Parameters:
+        job_id: The task identifier.
+        status: Completion status.
+        response: Optional result data.
+    """
+
+    job_id: str
+    status: JobStatus
+    response: dict | None = None
+
+
+@dataclass
+class BusJobUpdateMessage(BusDataMessage):
+    """Progress update from a task agent.
+
+    Parameters:
+        job_id: The task identifier.
+        update: Optional progress data.
+    """
+
+    job_id: str
+    update: dict | None = None
+
+
+@dataclass
+class BusJobUpdateUrgentMessage(BusSystemMessage):
+    """High-priority progress update from a task agent.
+
+    Same semantics as ``BusJobUpdateMessage`` but delivered with
+    system priority, preempting queued data messages.
+
+    Parameters:
+        job_id: The task identifier.
+        update: Optional progress data.
+    """
+
+    job_id: str
+    update: dict | None = None
+
+
+@dataclass
+class BusJobUpdateRequestMessage(BusDataMessage):
+    """Request a progress update from a task agent.
+
+    Parameters:
+        job_id: The task identifier.
+    """
+
+    job_id: str
+
+
+@dataclass
+class BusJobCancelMessage(BusSystemMessage):
+    """Cancel a running task.
+
+    Parameters:
+        job_id: The task identifier.
+        reason: Optional human-readable reason for cancellation.
+    """
+
+    job_id: str
+    reason: str | None = None
+
+
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+# Task streaming
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+@dataclass
+class BusJobStreamStartMessage(BusDataMessage):
+    """Signals the start of a streaming task response.
+
+    Parameters:
+        job_id: The task identifier.
+        data: Optional metadata (e.g. content type).
+    """
+
+    job_id: str
+    data: dict | None = None
+
+
+@dataclass
+class BusJobStreamDataMessage(BusDataMessage):
+    """A chunk of streaming task data.
+
+    Parameters:
+        job_id: The task identifier.
+        data: The chunk payload.
+    """
+
+    job_id: str
+    data: dict | None = None
+
+
+@dataclass
+class BusJobStreamEndMessage(BusDataMessage):
+    """Signals the end of a streaming task response.
+
+    Parameters:
+        job_id: The task identifier.
+        data: Optional final metadata.
+    """
+
+    job_id: str
+    data: dict | None = None
diff --git a/src/pipecat/bus/network/__init__.py b/src/pipecat/bus/network/__init__.py
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..8f42393bc
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/pipecat/bus/network/__init__.py
@@ -0,0 +1,26 @@
+#
+# Copyright (c) 2026, Daily
+#
+# SPDX-License-Identifier: BSD 2-Clause License
+#
+
+"""Network bus implementations for distributed agents.
+
+Each adapter has its own optional dependency. Imports are lazy so the
+package can be loaded with only the extras you need; importing a specific
+bus without its extra raises a clear error from that submodule.
+"""
+
+__all__ = ["PgmqBus", "RedisBus"]
+
+
+def __getattr__(name: str):
+    if name == "PgmqBus":
+        from pipecat.bus.network.pgmq import PgmqBus
+
+        return PgmqBus
+    if name == "RedisBus":
+        from pipecat.bus.network.redis import RedisBus
+
+        return RedisBus
+    raise AttributeError(f"module {__name__!r} has no attribute {name!r}")
diff --git a/src/pipecat/bus/network/redis.py b/src/pipecat/bus/network/redis.py
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..c89a9bee0
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/pipecat/bus/network/redis.py
@@ -0,0 +1,107 @@
+#
+# Copyright (c) 2026, Daily
+#
+# SPDX-License-Identifier: BSD 2-Clause License
+#
+
+"""Redis pub/sub agent bus for distributed agents."""
+
+import asyncio
+
+from loguru import logger
+
+from pipecat.bus.bus import TaskBus
+from pipecat.bus.messages import BusMessage
+from pipecat.bus.serializers import JSONMessageSerializer
+from pipecat.bus.serializers.base import MessageSerializer
+
+try:
+    from redis.asyncio import Redis
+    from redis.asyncio.client import PubSub
+except ModuleNotFoundError as e:
+    logger.error(f"Exception: {e}")
+    logger.error("In order to use RedisBus, you need to `pip install pipecat-ai-subagents[redis]`.")
+    raise Exception(f"Missing module: {e}")
+
+
+class RedisBus(TaskBus):
+    """Distributed agent bus backed by Redis pub/sub.
+
+    Publishes serialized messages to a Redis channel for cross-process
+    communication. ``BusLocalMessage`` messages bypass Redis and are
+    delivered directly to local subscribers.
+
+    Requires the ``redis[hiredis]`` package (``redis.asyncio``).
+
+    Example::
+
+        from redis.asyncio import Redis
+
+        redis = Redis.from_url("redis://localhost:6379")
+        bus = RedisBus(redis=redis, channel="my-session")
+    """
+
+    def __init__(
+        self,
+        *,
+        redis: Redis,
+        serializer: MessageSerializer | None = None,
+        channel: str = "pipecat:bus",
+        **kwargs,
+    ):
+        """Initialize the RedisBus.
+
+        Args:
+            redis: A ``redis.asyncio.Redis`` client instance.
+            serializer: The `MessageSerializer` for encoding/decoding messages.
+                Defaults to `JSONMessageSerializer`.
+            channel: The Redis pub/sub channel name. Defaults to ``"pipecat:bus"``.
+            **kwargs: Additional arguments passed to `TaskBus`.
+        """
+        super().__init__(**kwargs)
+        self._redis = redis
+        self._serializer = serializer or JSONMessageSerializer()
+        self._channel = channel
+        self._pubsub: PubSub | None = None
+        self._reader_task: asyncio.Task | None = None
+
+    async def start(self):
+        """Subscribe to Redis channel and start the reader task."""
+        await super().start()
+        self._pubsub = self._redis.pubsub()
+        await self._pubsub.subscribe(self._channel)
+        self._reader_task = self.create_task(self._reader_loop(), f"{self}::redis_reader")
+        await asyncio.sleep(0)
+
+    async def stop(self):
+        """Stop the reader task and unsubscribe from Redis."""
+        await super().stop()
+        if self._reader_task:
+            await self.cancel_task(self._reader_task)
+            self._reader_task = None
+        if self._pubsub:
+            await self._pubsub.unsubscribe(self._channel)
+            await self._pubsub.close()
+            self._pubsub = None
+
+    async def publish(self, message: BusMessage) -> None:
+        """Publish a message to the Redis channel.
+
+        Args:
+            message: The bus message to publish.
+        """
+        logger.trace(f"{self}: publishing {message} to {self._channel}")
+        data = self._serializer.serialize(message)
+        await self._redis.publish(self._channel, data)
+
+    async def _reader_loop(self) -> None:
+        """Read messages from Redis pub/sub and deliver to subscribers."""
+        async for raw_message in self._pubsub.listen():
+            if raw_message["type"] != "message":
+                continue
+            try:
+                message = self._serializer.deserialize(raw_message["data"])
+                if message:
+                    self.on_message_received(message)
+            except Exception:
+                logger.exception(f"{self}: failed to deserialize message")
diff --git a/src/pipecat/bus/queue.py b/src/pipecat/bus/queue.py
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..343edd1f4
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/pipecat/bus/queue.py
@@ -0,0 +1,61 @@
+#
+# Copyright (c) 2026, Daily
+#
+# SPDX-License-Identifier: BSD 2-Clause License
+#
+
+"""Priority queue for bus messages."""
+
+import asyncio
+from typing import Any
+
+from pipecat.frames.frames import SystemFrame
+
+HIGH_PRIORITY = 1
+LOW_PRIORITY = 2
+
+
+class BusMessageQueue(asyncio.PriorityQueue):
+    """Priority queue that delivers system messages before normal messages.
+
+    Messages that extend ``SystemFrame`` (e.g. cancel messages) get high
+    priority. All other messages are delivered in FIFO order at normal
+    priority.
+    """
+
+    def __init__(self):
+        """Initialize the BusMessageQueue."""
+        super().__init__()
+        self._high_counter = 0
+        self._low_counter = 0
+
+    def put_nowait(self, item) -> None:
+        """Add a message to the queue with automatic priority assignment.
+
+        Args:
+            item: The bus message to enqueue.
+        """
+        if isinstance(item, SystemFrame):
+            self._high_counter += 1
+            super().put_nowait((HIGH_PRIORITY, self._high_counter, item))
+        else:
+            self._low_counter += 1
+            super().put_nowait((LOW_PRIORITY, self._low_counter, item))
+
+    async def put(self, item) -> None:
+        """Add a message to the queue with automatic priority assignment.
+
+        Args:
+            item: The bus message to enqueue.
+        """
+        if isinstance(item, SystemFrame):
+            self._high_counter += 1
+            await super().put((HIGH_PRIORITY, self._high_counter, item))
+        else:
+            self._low_counter += 1
+            await super().put((LOW_PRIORITY, self._low_counter, item))
+
+    async def get(self) -> Any:
+        """Get the next message, with system messages prioritized."""
+        _, _, message = await super().get()
+        return message
diff --git a/src/pipecat/bus/serializers/__init__.py b/src/pipecat/bus/serializers/__init__.py
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..9e916c35b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/pipecat/bus/serializers/__init__.py
@@ -0,0 +1,19 @@
+#
+# Copyright (c) 2026, Daily
+#
+# SPDX-License-Identifier: BSD 2-Clause License
+#
+
+"""Bus message serialization for network transport.
+
+Provides the abstract `MessageSerializer` interface and a default
+`JSONMessageSerializer` implementation.
+"""
+
+from pipecat.bus.serializers.base import MessageSerializer
+from pipecat.bus.serializers.json import JSONMessageSerializer
+
+__all__ = [
+    "JSONMessageSerializer",
+    "MessageSerializer",
+]
diff --git a/src/pipecat/bus/serializers/base.py b/src/pipecat/bus/serializers/base.py
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..0a0cd12d7
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/pipecat/bus/serializers/base.py
@@ -0,0 +1,43 @@
+#
+# Copyright (c) 2026, Daily
+#
+# SPDX-License-Identifier: BSD 2-Clause License
+#
+
+"""Abstract base classes for bus message serialization."""
+
+from abc import ABC, abstractmethod
+
+from pipecat.bus.messages import BusMessage
+
+
+class MessageSerializer(ABC):
+    """Serialize and deserialize `BusMessage` instances for network transport.
+
+    Network bus implementations use a `MessageSerializer` to convert messages
+    to bytes for transmission and reconstruct them on the receiving end.
+    """
+
+    @abstractmethod
+    def serialize(self, message: BusMessage) -> bytes:
+        """Convert a bus message to bytes.
+
+        Args:
+            message: The bus message to serialize.
+
+        Returns:
+            The serialized bytes.
+        """
+        pass
+
+    @abstractmethod
+    def deserialize(self, data: bytes) -> BusMessage | None:
+        """Reconstruct a bus message from bytes.
+
+        Args:
+            data: The serialized bytes produced by `serialize()`.
+
+        Returns:
+            The reconstructed `BusMessage`.
+        """
+        pass
diff --git a/src/pipecat/bus/serializers/json.py b/src/pipecat/bus/serializers/json.py
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..4755faff1
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/pipecat/bus/serializers/json.py
@@ -0,0 +1,212 @@
+#
+# Copyright (c) 2026, Daily
+#
+# SPDX-License-Identifier: BSD 2-Clause License
+#
+
+"""JSON-based bus message serializer with pluggable type adapters."""
+
+import base64
+import dataclasses
+import importlib
+import json
+from enum import Enum
+from functools import cache
+from typing import Any
+
+from loguru import logger
+from pydantic import BaseModel
+
+from pipecat.bus.adapters.base import TypeAdapter
+from pipecat.bus.messages import BusMessage
+from pipecat.bus.serializers.base import MessageSerializer
+
+# JSON-native types that don't need an adapter.
+_JSON_NATIVE = (str, int, float, bool, type(None))
+
+
+class JSONMessageSerializer(MessageSerializer):
+    """Serialize bus messages as JSON with pluggable type adapters.
+
+    Handles JSON-native types, enums, bytes, dataclasses, and any type
+    with a registered ``TypeAdapter`` (e.g. ``LLMContext``, ``ToolsSchema``).
+    Adapters for common Pipecat types are registered by default.
+    Additional type adapters can be registered via ``register_adapter()``.
+
+    Example::
+
+        serializer = JSONMessageSerializer()
+
+        data = serializer.serialize(message)
+        restored = serializer.deserialize(data)
+    """
+
+    def __init__(self):
+        """Create a serializer with default adapters for `LLMContext` and `ToolsSchema`."""
+        from pipecat.adapters.schemas.tools_schema import ToolsSchema
+        from pipecat.bus.adapters import LLMContextAdapter, ToolsSchemaAdapter
+        from pipecat.processors.aggregators.llm_context import LLMContext
+
+        self._adapters: dict[type, TypeAdapter] = {
+            LLMContext: LLMContextAdapter(),
+            ToolsSchema: ToolsSchemaAdapter(),
+        }
+
+    def register_adapter(self, type_: type, adapter: TypeAdapter) -> None:
+        """Register a type adapter.
+
+        Args:
+            type_: The type to handle.
+            adapter: The adapter that serializes/deserializes instances of this type.
+        """
+        self._adapters[type_] = adapter
+
+    def serialize(self, message: BusMessage) -> bytes:
+        """Convert a bus message to JSON bytes.
+
+        Args:
+            message: The bus message to serialize.
+
+        Returns:
+            UTF-8 encoded JSON bytes.
+        """
+        data = self._serialize_value(message)
+        return json.dumps(data, separators=(",", ":")).encode("utf-8")
+
+    def deserialize(self, data: bytes) -> BusMessage | None:
+        """Reconstruct a bus message from JSON bytes.
+
+        Args:
+            data: The JSON bytes produced by `serialize()`.
+
+        Returns:
+            The reconstructed `BusMessage`, or None if deserialization fails.
+        """
+        payload = json.loads(data)
+        return self._deserialize_value(payload)
+
+    def _serialize_value(self, value: Any) -> Any:
+        """Recursively serialize a value to a JSON-compatible representation."""
+        if isinstance(value, _JSON_NATIVE):
+            return value
+        if isinstance(value, Enum):
+            return {
+                "__type__": f"{type(value).__module__}.{type(value).__name__}",
+                "__data__": value.name,
+            }
+        if isinstance(value, dict):
+            return {k: self._serialize_value(v) for k, v in value.items()}
+        if isinstance(value, list):
+            return [self._serialize_value(v) for v in value]
+        if isinstance(value, bytes):
+            return {"__type__": "bytes", "__data__": base64.b64encode(value).decode("ascii")}
+        if isinstance(value, BaseModel):
+            return {
+                "__type__": f"{type(value).__module__}.{type(value).__name__}",
+                "__data__": {
+                    k: self._serialize_value(v) for k, v in value.__dict__.items() if v is not None
+                },
+            }
+        if callable(value):
+            return None
+        adapter = self._find_adapter(type(value))
+        if adapter is not None:
+            return {
+                "__type__": f"{type(value).__module__}.{type(value).__name__}",
+                "__data__": adapter.serialize(value, self._serialize_value),
+            }
+        if dataclasses.is_dataclass(value) and not isinstance(value, type):
+            fields = {}
+            for f in dataclasses.fields(value):
+                v = getattr(value, f.name)
+                if v is None:
+                    continue
+                serialized = self._serialize_value(v)
+                if serialized is not None:
+                    fields[f.name] = serialized
+            return {
+                "__type__": f"{type(value).__module__}.{type(value).__name__}",
+                "__data__": fields,
+            }
+        logger.warning(
+            f"JSONMessageSerializer: skipping field with unserializable type {type(value).__name__}"
+        )
+        return None
+
+    def _deserialize_value(self, value: Any) -> Any:
+        """Recursively deserialize a value from its JSON representation."""
+        if isinstance(value, _JSON_NATIVE):
+            return value
+        if isinstance(value, list):
+            return [self._deserialize_value(v) for v in value]
+        if isinstance(value, dict):
+            if "__type__" in value and "__data__" in value:
+                return self._deserialize_typed(value["__type__"], value["__data__"])
+            return {k: self._deserialize_value(v) for k, v in value.items()}
+        return value
+
+    def _deserialize_typed(self, type_name: str, data: Any) -> Any:
+        """Deserialize a tagged value using its fully qualified type name."""
+        if type_name == "bytes":
+            return base64.b64decode(data)
+        cls = _resolve_type(type_name)
+        if cls is None:
+            logger.warning(f"JSONMessageSerializer: could not resolve type {type_name}")
+            return None
+        if issubclass(cls, Enum):
+            return cls[data]
+        adapter = self._find_adapter(cls)
+        if adapter is not None:
+            return adapter.deserialize(data, self._deserialize_value, target_type=cls)
+        if isinstance(data, dict) and issubclass(cls, BaseModel):
+            return cls.model_validate({k: self._deserialize_value(v) for k, v in data.items()})
+        if dataclasses.is_dataclass(cls) and isinstance(data, dict):
+            init_fields = {f.name: f for f in dataclasses.fields(cls) if f.init}
+            init_kwargs = {}
+            post_init = {}
+            for key, value in data.items():
+                deserialized = self._deserialize_value(value)
+                if key in init_fields:
+                    init_kwargs[key] = deserialized
+                else:
+                    post_init[key] = deserialized
+            for name, f in init_fields.items():
+                if name not in init_kwargs:
+                    if (
+                        f.default is dataclasses.MISSING
+                        and f.default_factory is dataclasses.MISSING
+                    ):
+                        init_kwargs[name] = None
+            obj = cls(**init_kwargs)
+            for key, value in post_init.items():
+                setattr(obj, key, value)
+            return obj
+        logger.warning(f"JSONMessageSerializer: no adapter registered for type {type_name}")
+        return None
+
+    def _find_adapter(self, type_: type) -> TypeAdapter | None:
+        """Find an adapter for a type, checking parent classes via MRO."""
+        for cls in type_.__mro__:
+            if cls in self._adapters:
+                return self._adapters[cls]
+        return None
+
+
+@cache
+def _resolve_type(qualified_name: str) -> type | None:
+    """Resolve a fully qualified type name to its class.
+
+    Args:
+        qualified_name: Dotted path like ``"pipecat.frames.frames.TextFrame"``.
+
+    Returns:
+        The resolved class, or None if it cannot be found.
+    """
+    module_path, _, class_name = qualified_name.rpartition(".")
+    if not module_path:
+        return None
+    try:
+        module = importlib.import_module(module_path)
+        return getattr(module, class_name, None)
+    except ImportError:
+        return None
diff --git a/src/pipecat/bus/subscriber.py b/src/pipecat/bus/subscriber.py
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..fdb513396
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/pipecat/bus/subscriber.py
@@ -0,0 +1,31 @@
+#
+# Copyright (c) 2026, Daily
+#
+# SPDX-License-Identifier: BSD 2-Clause License
+#
+
+"""Bus subscriber mixin for receiving messages from an TaskBus."""
+
+from pipecat.bus.messages import BusMessage
+
+
+class BusSubscriber:
+    """Mixin for objects that receive messages from an `TaskBus`.
+
+    Implementors override `on_bus_message()` to handle incoming messages.
+    Concrete subscribers must provide a ``name`` property (typically
+    inherited from ``BaseObject``).
+    """
+
+    @property
+    def name(self) -> str:
+        """Unique name identifying this subscriber on the bus."""
+        raise NotImplementedError
+
+    async def on_bus_message(self, message: BusMessage) -> None:
+        """Handle an incoming bus message.
+
+        Args:
+            message: The bus message to handle.
+        """
+        ...