Bus franchising proposal secures public support in consultation

A consultation on changes to how bus services are managed in Greater Manchester has received public support for the proposed franchising scheme.

83% of respondents to the consultation conducted by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) and research agency Ipsos MORI supported the bus franchising proposals, which would see TfGM take greater control over fares and routes, currently controlled by bus companies, in a similar way to how buses are operated by Transport for London in the capital. Only 8% of respondents objected to the proposals, which are also opposed by the bus operators.

Public comments from the consultation, which ran from 14th October 2019 to 8th January 2020, were also analysed by Ipsos MORI. The main reasons for support were that changes would potentially improve the current deregulated bus service, and created a more integrative and coordinated network. The main opposition surrounded affordability of the bus franchising scheme, as it would mean greater taxpayer spending on public transport.

The report on the consultation was due to be published in Spring 2020, but had been delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Future proposals on bus franchising will also consider the impacts of Covid-19 on the network, and its role in aiding the economic recovery following the lockdown.

Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said:

I’ve always said that Greater Manchester’s bus market needs to change and it’s even more important now as we move into recovery from the coronavirus.

“It’s great to see that over 8,500 organisations, businesses and the public have taken the opportunity to have their say on the proposals for a franchising scheme. Many have told us about their frustration at a fractured system of different operators, different tickets, different prices and disjointed timetables. They understand how a more integrated system is beneficial not only to them but for the city-region as a whole.

“They want to see a more integrated and coordinated public transport system that delivers better value for money. While we now need to consider the impact of the health pandemic on our services, this consultation process has made clear what it is people want to see.”

Sir Richard Leese, GMCA Deputy Mayor, said:

Thousands of people and organisations across Greater Manchester and beyond have had their say on how their buses are run. I would like to thank everyone for sharing their views on this important issue.

“Coronavirus has affected all our lives, including how we travel and it has had a particular impact on public transport, including our buses. Further work now needs to be undertaken to assess the impact of coronavirus on Greater Manchester’s bus market, the assessment and the outcome of the consultation.  This will determine the next steps of the bus reform process.

 “Greater Manchester is the first city-region to use the powers in the Bus Services Act and it’s important to make clear we are committed to delivering a bus network for Greater Manchester’s residents, businesses and communities that is integrated, accessible and offers value for money.  This will be more important than ever as it must now also support a safe, swift and sustainable social and economic recovery for our city-region.”

A total of 8,516 people and organisations across Greater Manchester and beyond took part in the public consultation.