Greater Manchester Combined Authority – Consultation open on GM bus market reform and Covid-19 impact

Last year, Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) held a consultation on a proposed franchising scheme. This would bring buses under local control as part of an integrated transport network.

In June, GMCA received the results of the consultation but decided, before a final decision could be made, that the impact of Covid-19 on the bus market and the proposed franchising scheme should be considered.

Now, GMCA is asking for your views on its proposals in light of the findings of the Covid-19 impact report, which looked at potential future travel demand in Greater Manchester and what it could mean for GMCA’s proposals to change how buses are run.

How to take part

You can

• Find out more information and take part in an online questionnaire at gmconsult.org
• Email your feedback to [email protected]
• Give your feedback by phone on 0161 244 1100 (they will be forwarded through to an independent research organisation Ipsos MORI)
• Write/send a completed questionnaire to Freepost GM BUS CONSULTATION
• Pick up paper copies of the questionnaire at Travelshops across Greater Manchester.

Following the consultation, the responses will be independently analysed and reported to GMCA, who will consider the responses alongside the outcome of the previous consultation.

The outcome of both consultations will then be considered as part of the final decision by the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, on whether to implement the proposed franchising scheme. The decision is anticipated to take place in spring 2021.

Have your say on the future of your buses at gmconsult.org before Friday 29 January 2021. 

If you would like to discuss this further then we would be happy to set up a briefing with you, please email [email protected].