Bus franchising in Greater Manchester

That this House welcomes the announcement by the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, to bring Greater Manchester’s buses back under public control; notes that the decision will give Greater Manchester Combined Authority more say over its bus network; recognises that the move will ensure that the needs of the people of Greater Manchester are put before profit; acknowledges that bus users will now have access to a cheaper and better integrated bus network; applauds the introduction of the Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter which will enhance transport workers’ rights, ensure good standards of public service and fair treatment of staff, and help protect them from unethical employment practices; hopes that the move to a franchising model will support Unite the Union in their ongoing efforts to overturn the immoral fire and hire strategy of companies such as Go North West; is encouraged that an increase in public transport use will help improve air quality in Greater Manchester, cut congestion and noise pollution and help the UK meet its binding climate change targets; and pays tribute to the activists, organisations and trade unions who have campaigned so tirelessly to implement a franchising model, including Better Buses for Greater Manchester, We Own It, GMB Union, Unison and Unite, and thanks the Mayor of Greater Manchester for leading the way and setting an example for other regions to move to a franchising model.