Mayor decides to implement bus franchising in major milestone for transport in Greater Manchester

 
Transport for Greater Manchester will introduce a single brand for all buses

 
The mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, has made a historic decision to take control of buses in the biggest shake-up to Greater Manchester’s transport network in over 30 years, as part of plans for a “joined-up and truly passenger-focused transport network”.

Greater Manchester will become the first place in England to take advantage of the franchising powers contained in the 2017 Bus Services Act. This will make it the first city region outside of London to obtain full control over local bus routes, frequencies, fares and tickets.

I’ve decided that we will be the first outside London to run our buses differently – under local control, so that decisions are made at a local level for the benefit of our passengers

Commenting on the decision, Burnham, who will stand for re-election on May 6, commented: “I’ve decided that we will be the first outside London to run our buses differently – under local control, so that decisions are made at a local level for the benefit of our passengers.”

To ensure a smooth transition from the current deregulated system, which has existed since the mid-1980s, franchising will be introduced in phases. The first franchised buses will operate in Bolton and Wigan in early 2023 with the rest of Greater Manchester following by the end of 2025.

In the period up to full transition, Greater Manchester Combined Authority and Transport for Greater Manchester will work with central government and bus operators to plan and improve bus services to best support Greater Manchester’s economic recovery.

“My decision will mean that we can integrate our buses as part of a joined-up network, so passengers can easily switch between different types of transport,” said Burnham.

A ‘one-stop-shop’ for travel information and a single identity for the whole public transport network, which is attractive, clearly recognisable and easy for passengers to navigate and understand

“It means simpler fares and ticketing with price capping, so no one pays more than they need to. It also means a ‘one-stop-shop’ for travel information and a single identity for the whole public transport network, which is attractive, clearly recognisable and easy for passengers to navigate and understand.

“Ultimately, this means a different way of moving around for everyone in our city-region, as we move towards Our Network; our ambition of a world-class, integrated transport network which can unlock opportunity for all; providing access to jobs and education, reducing pollution, attracting investment and reducing isolation.

He continued: “Bringing buses into local control will be the biggest change to Greater Manchester’s buses since deregulation in 1986. But as with all change for the better, it will take time; it won’t happen overnight and we are just at the start of our journey.

“I hope the people, businesses and communities of Greater Manchester come with us on the journey, so we can create a joined-up public transport network that works for the benefit of passengers and our city-region.”

 
Stagecoach opposition

The decision to introduce franchising is opposed by Stagecoach, the region’s largest bus operator. In response to Andy Burnham’s announcement, the group repeated its view that GMCA’s consultation process had “failed to meet the standards on proper process, evidence and analysis required by law”. In February, Stagecoach submitted an application for a judicial review on that basis and that application is now scheduled to be considered by the court on May 27-28.

We are disappointed and surprised that the mayor has chosen to push ahead with these proposals and not wait a short time for the outcome of the judicial review process

“We are disappointed and surprised that the mayor has chosen to push ahead with these proposals and not wait a short time for the outcome of the judicial review process before making any final decisions,” the group said.

“The planned franchising scheme in Greater Manchester would incur £135m of transition costs that would not deliver any new buses or new services and, under GMCA plans, would see above-inflation fares increases for customers. We believe a better approach in line with the government’s bus strategy would be to work together and focus precious taxpayer funding on practical improvements for customers and local communities.

“While we await the decision of the court, we remain ready to work collaboratively with the mayor and the combined authority to get through the pandemic and ensure the region has a sustainable, high quality bus network for the long term.”

 
Go North West liaising

Go-Ahead Group acquired a foothold in the Greater Manchester bus market in 2019, acquiring the 163-vehicle Queens Road depot in north Manchester from First Bus in a £11.2m deal.

A spokesperson for Go North West said: “Go-Ahead Group operates buses in a wide variety of regulatory environments across the UK. We are liaising with Transport for Greater Manchester on creating a system that works best for passengers.

“Arrangements for a smooth transition will be needed, and we have suggested that as an interim step, TfGM and all operators come together to create a partnership to rebuild passenger numbers after the Covid-19 pandemic.”

 
THE CASE FOR CHANGE

Summarising the need for franchising, TfGM said:

In Greater Manchester, individual bus companies decide the routes, fares, timetables and standards. There is no coordination and limited oversight. Since 1986, bus patronage fell by 45% from 350 million to 194 million in 2018 and the bus network has continued to shrink. There are more than 150 different types of bus ticket; and a single bus ticket can cost £4 (compared to £1.55 in London) and often does not allow passengers to transfer between buses or other types of transport. Where bus companies decide not to run services and where necessary, the public sector has paid to fill the gaps.

 
This article appears alongside further coverage in the latest issue of Passenger Transport.

DON’T MISS OUT – GET YOUR COPY! – click here to subscribe!