Mayor responds to Judicial Review on bus franchising

9 March 2022

Responding to the Judicial Review on bus franchising in Greater Manchester, Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, said:

“I welcome today’s landmark ruling in Greater Manchester, and it’s encouraging to see fellow Northern Metro Mayors making positive steps to bring buses under public control. We stand united in the fight for a better, cheaper and more reliable transport system.

The current privatised industry has failed to deliver this which is why bus reform — particularly greater public control and involvement in service delivery — is crucial to re-setting and re-building in the North. We don’t begrudge what London has but are clear that our communities deserve the same.

That’s why bringing buses back under public control was one of my key manifesto pledges when I was elected. I firmly believe that this will give us the control we need, to ensure the public are put before profit. “We are under no illusions that there’s a long road ahead of us, with complex regulations and red tape from Government. But since becoming Mayor, we’ve taken key steps along this road.

We’ve developed an Enhanced Partnership with operators to improve buses now – bringing down fares whilst improving reliability and accessibility. Our recent Bus Service Improvement Plan also sets out our ambitions and is a major step towards making buses more affordable, convenient to use, and better for the environment.

I remain committed to making buses the first choice for travel in West Yorkshire, with an integrated system that meets our people’s needs. We’ll continue to work with bus operators and partners to deliver this. Today’s ruling paves the way.”