Following our coverage last week of Greater Manchester’s consultation on bus franchising beginning, Stagecoach Manchester has issued a statement on the matter.
A spokesperson for the company told us: “After months of being kept in the dark, the people of Greater Manchester are finally being given an opportunity to see specific franchising proposals. Like everyone else, we will be keen to understand whether it delivers anything that can’t be delivered right now through bus operators’ alternative partnership plans.
“Taxpayers will be interested to see what value they’re getting as they face paying a multi-million-pound franchising bill when partnership can deliver improvements at zero cost. Alternatively, under the bus partnership proposals, we can deliver investment worth many millions of pounds in integrated ticketing, better value fares, electric buses and a simpler network the region needs at no cost to the public purse.
“For those who would prefer not having the financial burden of bus franchising on their shoulders, we’d encourage them to make their feelings known via the consultation or local councillor.”
Responses can be made online at gmconsult.org (online survey or downloadable questionnaire).
