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LCR to Secure Bus Depots in Major Franchising Move

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Bus services across the Liverpool City Region are set for a major transformation, with plans for a fully publicly-run bus network moving forward at pace. The introduction of a franchised system will see services brought under public control for the first time in nearly 40 years, promising more frequent buses, better connections and improved infrastructure. Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Franchising is Coming Sooner Than Planned You’ve probably heard about the move to bus franchising—where routes, fares and timetables will be planned by the public sector rather than private companies—but here’s what’s happening next. The first phase kicks off in St Helens and Wirral, with the new system up and running by September 2026. The whole region should be fully franchised by the end of 2027, a year ahead of schedule. Mayor Steve Rotheram, said: “Reliable, regular, and affordable buses are the backbone of a great public transport system. They connect people to work, education, and each ...
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Diamond Bus and Go North West to Operate School Buses in Final Phase of Bee Network Roll Out

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The final round of Bee Network contracts has been awarded for school services in Stockport, Tameside, Trafford and parts of Manchester and Salford from 5 January 2025.
 
Transport for Greater Manchester

Greater Manchester is the first area to bring buses under local control following de-regulation in 1986 and currently around 50% of services are franchised under the Bee Network.

Diamond Bus (North West) Limited has been awarded 7 contracts and Go North West Limited 2 contracts, covering a total of 37 schools to operate the final phase of school bus services.

The final Bee Network school bus services will run from Monday 5 January 2025 – at which point all buses across Greater Manchester will be franchised and under local control, with other Bee Network bus services being run by Metroline, Stagecoach, First, Vision, Diamond and Go North West.   

There will be no changes to the schools served or the numbers of buses used under the new contracts. As with other Bee Network services, ensuring a reliable service is a key part of these contracts, and operators will be subject to financial penalties for poor performance

Stephen Rhodes, TfGM’s Director of Bus, said:
“Awarding the last round of franchised contracts for school services is a major milestone towards delivering the Bee Network.

“We are absolutely committed to delivering regular, reliable services to ensure they meet the needs of pupils who will be relying on them to get to and from school. We have made performance and reliability a key part of the contract award to deliver this positive change.

“We look forward to working with Diamond Bus (North West) Limited and Go North West Limited over the coming months as we prepare to deliver the completion of bus franchising on 5th Jan 2025.”

Bob Dunn, Executive Director Diamond Bus North West, said:
“We are pleased to have been awarded a further seven franchises within Greater Manchester, meaning by next year we will be operating 18 small or school bus franchises. We are currently working hard making preparations for January, and we look forward to meeting our new customers and colleagues early next year.”

Go North West managing director Nigel Featham, said:
“We are delighted to be awarded additional contracts, and look forward to working closely with TfGM to deliver high quality school bus transport.

“These contracts add to our existing large franchise work which we operate at depots in Bolton and Wigan. We have an exceptional team at Go North West and are proud of the quality of services we provide for passengers.”

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