One sentence summary – Greater Manchester has reintroduced locally controlled bus services, led by regional mayor Andy Burnham, in an effort to improve service quality and affordability, reversing the deregulation that has led to a decline in bus journeys in the region since 1985.
At a glance
- Greater Manchester reintroduces locally controlled bus services, reversing deregulation since 1985.
- Regional mayor Andy Burnham leads the move to improve service quality and affordability.
- Burnham prioritizes bus reform since becoming the region’s first elected mayor in 2017.
- Greater Manchester implements fare caps to address the decline in bus journeys.
- Approximately 50 new electric buses will be deployed to enhance the public transport system.
The details
Greater Manchester has reintroduced locally controlled bus services, marking the first reversal of deregulation in England since 1985.
This significant development is led by regional mayor Andy Burnham.
The move aims to improve service quality and make fares more affordable.
Bus Reform Prioritization
Since becoming the region’s first elected mayor in 2017, Burnham has consistently prioritized bus reform.
Following deregulation, bus journeys in Greater Manchester saw a significant decline.
In contrast, London, where services remained regulated, saw an increase in bus journeys.
Burnham is of the belief that deregulation has not delivered the desired outcomes for buses and related areas.
In 2022, to address this, Greater Manchester implemented a cap on single bus fares at £2 for adults and £1 for children.
Following this, a daily cap at £5 for unlimited bus travel was introduced.
A weekly cap of £21 was also established.
Enhancing Public Transport System
Approximately 50 new yellow electric buses will be deployed in Bolton, Wigan, Salford, and Bury to enhance the public transport system.
The full rollout of these electric buses is expected to be completed by 2025.
Go North West and Diamond Buses have been appointed to provide the initial services for this initiative.
The new system increases the involvement of commuters in matters such as punctuality, reliability, and complaints.
Commuter feedback and input will directly impact the compensation received by service operators.
This ensures a more customer-centric approach.
With the return of locally controlled bus services, Greater Manchester aims to create a more efficient and accessible public transport network.
This is expected to benefit both residents and visitors.
The reversal of deregulation reflects a commitment to improving bus services and fostering a sustainable transportation system in the region.
The above information has been compiled from multiple sources and aims to present a comprehensive overview of the news story without any bias or personal opinions.
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A bus with a “Welcome to Greater Manchester” sign on its front, surrounded by a diverse group of people waiting at a bus stop.
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| bbc.co.uk |
|---|
| – Locally controlled bus services have returned to Greater Manchester for the first time since deregulation in 1985. – |
| The arrival of the Bee Network marks the first time deregulation has been reversed in England. – Regional mayor Andy Burnham hopes the change will lead to cheaper fares and better services. |
| – Bus reform has been a priority for Mr Burnham since he became the region’s first elected mayor in 2017. – |
| The number of bus journeys in Greater Manchester dropped significantly after deregulation, while the number in London, where services were not deregulated, increased. |
| – Mr Burnham believes that deregulation did not work for buses and other areas. – |
| In 2022, single bus fares in the region were capped at £2 for adults and £1 for children. – Unlimited bus travel over a day was later capped at £5, and a week’s bus travel has been limited to £21. – About 50 new yellow electric buses will start operating in Bolton, Wigan, Salford, and Bury, with the rest of the rollout to be completed by 2025. – Go North West and Diamond Buses were appointed to provide the initial services. |
| – Commuters will have a greater say in punctuality, reliability, and complaints, which will impact what the operators get paid. |
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