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Post by wirewiper on Jul 24, 2024 14:56:46 GMT
A "Bus Reforms Options Report" will be considered by NECA (the North East Combined Authority) at a cabinet meeting on 31st July. The report recoomends that the Authority proceeds with a formal Franchising Scheme Assessment for the region's bus services. The Report has considered both franchising and an expansion of the current Enhanced Partnership model in detail, together with a short analysis of full public ownership which will become possible when the recently-announced Better Buses Bill comes to fruition. The local Metro Mayor, Labour's Kim McGuiness, is an advocate of an "Angel Network" along the lines of Greater Manchester's Bee Network. Speaking earlier this moth, sha siad: “We need to recognise that the existing system is broken, and things need to change if we are to grow bus use and improve things for passengers. Local people need our bus system to be more reliable – to trust buses will turn up on time – and affordable, so that cheap tickets help people to reach new opportunities for work or education.” It is estimated that the Franchising Scheme Assessment will take around 30 months to complete. NECA's Director of Transport observes that franchsing should only go ahead if the FSA concludes that it is the best option, and that an independent audit and consultation must take place before a final decision is made. www.route-one.net/news/bus-franchising-assessment-in-north-east-england-recommended/
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Post by MetrolineGA1511 on Jul 27, 2024 6:39:34 GMT
In terms of geographical area, this is the largest area of England so far with franchising proposed.
There is a review for franchising across Wales. In Scotland I think it's only Strathclyde (or maybe just Glasgow) who have expressed interest so far.
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