The Strategic Case
Franchising – with further investment as part of ‘Phase 2’ the Franchising Scheme would facilitate the use of a wider variety of measures than a partnership. It would also enhance the value for money for measures that could be undertaken in any market situation. Partnership – a partnership would make some difference to the ability of the GMCA to deliver some of the ‘Phase 2’ measures that could further improve the bus network. It could, for instance, help with the prioritisation of bus priority infrastructure provision. A partnership would not be able to overcome the barriers of competition law and state-aid rules that prevent investment by the authority in, for instance, broad measures on fares or improving service frequencies. In other areas, investment that would create a financial return for the operator by improving services would be poorer value for money if the operator was not the authority making the investment.
Bus Franchising in Greater Manchester Assessment September 2019 WEB Bus Franchising in Greater Manchester - Assessment
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