Defiant message from Andy Burnham as Rotala launches new fight against bus reform

Andy Burnham plans to press ahead with his bid to bring buses in Greater Manchester back under public control as a fresh legal fight is launched.

The Greater Manchester mayor insists the first franchised bus services will still start from next year and serve the whole city-region by the end of 2024. It comes as bus operator Rotala, which owns Diamond, wins the right to appeal a decision which cleared the road for bus reform across Greater Manchester.

The bus firm, which lost the judicial review it brought alongside Stagecoach earlier this year, has now launched a new appeal on two 'very technical' issues. But Mr Burnham said he still plans to 'press ahead' with the major bus reforms.

READ MORE: Bus operator Rotala announces right to appeal decision on bus reform

He said: "Just a few weeks ago the court ruled in our favour on every single point, so we are disappointed that the appeal has been granted on what amounts to a very technical issue. Buses are the backbone of our transport network and integral to our plan for the Bee Network, an integrated, London-style transport system for Greater Manchester.

"Our plans have high levels of public support, and we will vigorously contest this appeal. We plan to press ahead with our plans to ensure the first franchised services are in place by the 17 September next year and across the whole of the city-region by the end of 2024."

A franchised system in Greater Manchester, with private firms bidding to run services, would give local leaders control of bus planning, fares and ticketing. They would be the first outside London to have this power in more than 30 years – and other regions are looking to follow suit with government support.

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