On Monday 14th October, Greater Manchester Combined Authority will launch a consultation into bus franchising – a new model of public control for the bus system in Greater Manchester.

Under franchising, Transport for Greater Manchester will be able to decide what routes are run, how frequently, what they cost and what standards must be maintained. This differs completely from the current model, where private bus companies run whatever routes they like, and charge what they want, leaving areas of Oldham unserved and Oldham residents paying well over the odds.

Oldham Labour have been pushing hard for bus franchising over the last twelve months, with Cllr Sean Fielding speaking passionately about the need for franchising at the meeting of the GMCA that confirmed the consultation.