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Judge dismisses last legal challenge against Andy Burnham’s bus reform plans
Under the reform plans, bus services will offer cheaper fares and quicker routes across the region
The reform of bus services across Greater Manchester will go ahead following the dismissal of an appeal made by a major bus firm.
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham first unveiled plans to bring the region’s buses back under public control in March this year, with a promise to introduce cheaper fares and better routes later this year.
However, Stagecoach and Rotala – which operates Diamond Buses – appealed the judge’s decision to bring buses back under public control, with them accusing the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) of conducting ‘a flawed consultation’.
They also said millions of pounds would be spent on the scheme without any tangible benefits to customers, as per the BBC.
But yesterday, the Court of Appeal unanimously rejected the appeal and upheld the High Court’s original decision, a ruling Burnham described as ‘brilliant news for the people of Greater Manchester’.
He said: “This is brilliant news for the people of Greater Manchester, and for anyone across the UK who cares about having a bus service that puts people ahead of shareholder profit.
“We were always very confident that GMCA had followed all correct legal processes and that the decision to franchise buses and bring them under public control was lawful and right.
“We’re delighted that we have comprehensively defeated the last legal challenge in the way of bringing buses under public control.
“The Court of Appeal’s judgment upholds the original decision of the High Court and unanimously rejects this appeal as without any merit.”
He added: “This clear and unanimous judgment is another green light which means that we can now power ahead at full speed to deliver bus franchising across Greater Manchester.
“And I hope that the unanimous rejection of this appeal paves the way for other city regions.”
Bus passengers across the region can expect to see cheaper fares as soon as September, with single journeys costing no more than £2 and a full day’s travel being capped at £5.
The £5 fare will enable passengers to travel from when they buy the ticket until 3.59am the following day, and will be valid for use across various operators. Currently, a daily fare costs £6.40.