Mayor Andy Burnham has confirmed that buses in the Greater Manchester region are set to be franchised.
The final decision was announced on Thursday (March 25) – with nine out of 10 councils having already backed plans to bring buses under regional control.
Under the new regime, buses can still be run by private companies, but Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) and local authorities can set fares, timetables and routes.
A group of bus operators in the region have previously expressed opposition to the plans – claiming the £135m cost “only covers the transfer of responsibilities, does not provide any future investment or service improvements, and creates no change to today’s network.”
Stagecoach also launched a website proposing a partnership plan that functioned as an “alternative to franchising.”
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Explaining his decision on Thursday, Burnham told press that Greater Manchester has been “held back” by its bus services.
“I have also considered the views of the public, transport staff and stakeholders about these proposals,” he said.
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“Taking all of that into account, I can today announce that after 35 years of deregulation in Greater Manchester I have decided to bring our buses back under local, public control.”
The new system will be introduced from early 2023.
Burnham previously confirmed his ‘big ticket item’ for Mayoral re-election was a revamp of local transport – introducing a London-style system whereby passengers could travel using a single pass for buses and trams.
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Speaking to The Manc earlier this month, Burnham said the new network had the potential to be “life-changing”.
“We can improve people’s quality of life with this – and give them a public transport system that’s just much more convenient, easier to use, and more affordable,” the Mayor added.
Featured image: David Dixon / Geograph
News
Public urged to call the police if they see this wanted man
Daisy Jackson
Cheshire Police are appealing for the public’s help in tracing a wanted man with links to Macclesfield and Alsager.
Joshua Wyatt, 34, is wanted on recall to prison, and officers are urging anyone who has seen him or knows of his whereabouts to come forward.
Wyatt is described as being 183cm (6ft) tall and of medium build, with a bald head and blue eyes.
Police believe he has links to both Macclesfield and Alsager.
Anyone who sees Wyatt or has information about where he may be is asked to contact Cheshire Police on 101 or report information via the force’s website.
Information should be provided quoting reference number 26000809013.
Huge shuttle bus effort laid on to get Manchester United fans to Old Trafford amid tram disruption
Daisy Jackson
Transport for Greater Manchester has announced a shuttle bus scheme to help Manchester United fans get to Old Trafford this week, amid major tram disruption.
Fans won’t be able to use trams to get to the ground as usual, due to huge improvement works which are in place until Monday 2 November.
There’ll be no trams at all on the Altrincham, Trafford Park, and Eccles lines, with Airport and East Didsbury trams only going as far as Firswood.
That means that fans heading to Manchester United’s home game against Bournemouth would have been a little stuck without this newly-announced shuttle bus service.
Frequent dedicated shuttle buses will run running Piccadilly Gardens, Altrincham Interchange and the Trafford Centre, taking fans directly to Old Trafford before the game.
Frequencies range from five to 20 minutes depending on the route and time, with details available online. Return services will be in place after the final whistle.
TfGM staff will be at key stops and interchanges throughout the day to help fans get to the match and provide travel advice.
Huge shuttle bus effort laid on to get Manchester United fans to Old Trafford amid tram disruption. Credit: TfGM
Ian Davies, TfGM’s Network Director for Metrolink, said: “There is no good time to disrupt passengers to carry out these works, and this is the first time in over a decade that trams won’t serve Old Trafford on a match day, but these works are essential and will enable us to provide a better service in future. I am very sorry to fans who face disruption.
“We’ve put a range of alternative travel options in place, including dedicated shuttle buses, bolstered Bee Network bus services, rail options and ticket acceptance arrangements will help fans get to and from the game.
“Journey options will be different from usual, so we would encourage supporters to plan ahead, check their route and our website before they travel and leave plenty of time to get to and from the stadium.”
TfGM is advising supporters to leave around an hour earlier to help make sure they arrive in time for kick-off.
The Manc -
25th March 2021 
