Manchester sets out franchise plan

摘要

Transport for Greater Manchester has begun consulting on the franchised bus network that it hopes to introduce by the end of 2023. While it says it is still open to persuasion on the merits of a partnership with operators, and mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham remains officially neutral on the issue, its consultation document makes clear that franchising is its preferred option and the one most likely to generate some increase in ridership in what it forecasts will continue to be a declining market for bus travel. It says there is a 'high degree of appetite' from operators willing to bid to run franchised services.