Greater Manchester Franchising

[Barney]

RE: Greater Manchester Franchising

(31/03/2021 10:25)Mayneway Wrote:  Do you really think TFGM will really introduce a load of routes lost years ago?? I can’t see it.

I can't comment on the bus network in Manchester but in Liverpool I would suggest that 90% of the services that operate today run along 85% of the routes that operated prior to deregulation.

Immediately after deregulation the main incumbents - Merseybus and North Western (Ribble) - along with new major players such as Fareway, CMT, Liverline, Liverbus experimented with innovative major route changes. However, within 15 years the route network eventually returned to a network that essentially mirrored the MPTE one in 1985 and generally using the same route numbers.

Assuming that franchising is introduced on time, I cannot envisage a situation where TfGM will draw up a totally new network as I am sure that it recognises that Stagecoach, Go Northwest, Arriva and First managers DO have a good idea of what works.

Initially, I think that the main focus will be on frequency, hours of operation and fares.