Stagecoach warns over Greater Manchester bus franchise plans

Stagecoach bosses have urged the Greater Manchester Combined Authority to rethink its proposals for a London style bus system in the region.

It wants the Combined Authority to pause its plans for a franchise scheme which the bus operator says do not reflect the ‘fundamental’ changes brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic.

GMCA has recommended plans for a bus franchising scheme in the region to go ahead following a public consultation.

Under this system, buses would be controlled by the GMCA, which would set the routes, frequencies, tickets and standards, while the bus operators would run the services providing ‘best value to the taxpayer.’

Currently in Greater Manchester, individual bus companies decide their own routes, frequencies, tickets and standards.

In areas they don’t run, the public sector pays to fill in the gaps in the market where it can.

Earlier this year Stagecoach revealed its own plan in a bid to keep control over buses through a partnership model.

It has also submitted a court application for a judicial review of the Combined Authority’s consultation.

It says the consultation ‘failed’ to meet ‘required standards on proper process, evidence and analysis required by law.’

Martin Griffiths, Stagecoach CEO, said: “This is simply not the right time to be considering spending huge sums of money on a bus franchising scheme which does not meet the tests laid down in law.

“The proposed scheme also involves spending £135m on transitional costs alone without delivering any improved services for customers when at the same time multi-million-pound cuts are being considered to vital frontline public services.

“It is clear from a significant number of consultation responses that there is widespread concern among local taxpayers, businesses and other organisations about the sustainability of the franchising plans and the dangers of proceeding with them now.

“Our priority has always been to ensure we have a bus network that works for local communities, taxpayers, and the bus operators whose success supports the economy and employment in Greater Manchester.

“While we await the decision of the court, we would urge the Combined Authority to rethink its approach and pause its plans.

“We remain ready to work in partnership with the Combined Authority, as we have done throughout the pandemic, on alternative plans to stabilise and rebuild bus services, and ensure the region has a sustainable, high quality bus network for the long term.”

A decision over GMCA’s proposals is expected to be announced later this month.