Manchester Bus Franchising

[Barney]

RE: Manchester Bus Franchising

(26/06/2019 12:58)gilesbus1 Wrote:  That position could change over time, we have a minority Government in a difficult situation with Brexit who may be forced to call a General Election, which they would more than likely lose before the bus franchising comes into play, whats then to stop Corbin or however the new leader is giving them power to buy out operators or run services directly given that most of the big groups now seem to be in difficulties and up for sale? Pre-1986 is inevitable, especially as the Government members that brought it in are now dead and therefore can't defend it any longer.

This is getting slightly off topic now. A Conservative government created a privatised bus industry and deregulation in 1986 and a more recent one created the chaotic Brexit situation we are now in. The last thing a new leader would want to do - even if he does like making model buses in his spare time - is call a general election as it would more than likely lose power. As for the suggestion that a Corbyn-led government would nationalise the big groups is fanciful beyond belief as it would have to pay billions in compensation.

Any future re-nationalisation of rail operations would be done by simply allowing the rail franchises to expire and then operate the services by a state-owned company.

Getting back on topic, franchising would simply invite private operators to run bus services under public control and scrutiny as already happens in London.