Issue 328 of Passenger Transport is published on January 10.
Contents include:
LEAD STORY
‘Blazing a trail for the future of bus services’
As the snow fell on January 5, the third and final tranche of Greater Manchester’s buses joined the publicly-controlled Bee Network. A landmark moment for buses in the region, and beyond
NEWS
Concerns raised over impact of open access
Heidi Alexander suggests operators are not paying their way
Bus Services Bill aims to give back control
New legislation aims to allow local leaders to take back control of bus services by lifting ban on new municipals and streamlining franchising
‘Bus Services Bill could have impact on SMEs’
Partnership scope welcomed but concern for smaller operators
West Midlands lifts the lid on franchising plans
Consultation is the first step that could see the first bus services in the West Midlands under public control by 2027. Andrew Garnett reports
Rayner pledges to give mayors greater powers
Deputy prime minister pledges greater bus and rail devolution
Core Valley Lines capital cost hits £1.9bn
When the ambitious project to electrify the railways north of Cardiff began in 2018, the estimated cost was £734m. It has now risen significantly
DfT boosts headcount for nationalisation
Former operator of last resort staffing to quadruple in 2025
REALISING THE BEE NETWORK VISION
‘We’re blazing a trail for buses’
Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham hails a landmark moment for buses in his city region
The road to the Bee Network
The journey to bus franchising in Greater Manchester. Andrew Garnett reports
‘The benefits are starting to flow’
Vernon Everitt, Transport Commissioner for Greater Manchester, answers our questions about the city’s Bee Network
A partnership in innovation
Ticketer has been small but critical cog in a complex change process, and is ready to help others
A vision for a greener future
Wrightbus is helping places like Greater Manchester on their transition to sustainable transport
A legacy that helped to shape the city
Rob Jones, managing director of Stagecoach Manchester, reflects on a 25-year record of connecting communities
COMMENT
Norman Baker: Transport’s three malign influences
I have identified three negative influences that have held transport back, or led it in the wrong direction, through the decades
Alex Warner: My hopes and fears for the New Year
Will rail price itself out of existence? Will England’s bus users bulk at £3 fares? Will small businesses be squeezed out? We will see
Marc Winsland: Budgeting for Britain’s buses
Public transport is back on the political agenda – but the financial ammunition to make bus services better remains in short supply
Nick Richardson: A way forward for local government?
Big changes are proposed in England in parallel with changes to the planning system. What are the implications for transport?
Great Minster Grumbles: Ownership is no magic wand
Our Whitehall insider imagines what’s going on inside the minds of the mandarins at Great Minster House, home of the DfT
PEOPLE, in association with Intuitive Talent Solutions
Transport figures are recognised in honours
A number of Network Rail employees have received honours in the King’s New Year’s Honours and Go South Coast boss receives and MBE
Ambassador role for Purcell
Anne Marie Purcell has been named as Woman in Bus and Coach’s first Ambassador
DON’T MISS OUT – GET YOUR COPY! – click here to subscribe
Out now: Issue 322 of Passenger Transport
