Since 1986, London’s buses have been under the franchise system while in the rest of the UK market has operated according to the free market. But this two-tier system is starting to change. Franchising in Greater Manchester is now under way and set to be complete by 2025.
While Manchester leads the way as the first UK city outside of London to take control of the bus system, other cities are beginning to follow suit. But West of England Metro mayor Dan Norris is yet to make such a commitment.
Bristol Live is campaigning for Better Buses for Bristol and we are calling on Mr Norris to start the ball rolling on taking back control of the buses in Bristol and creating a franchise system. But what would such a system look like in Bristol?
