STAGECOACH is pressing ahead with its legal challenge to the introduction of bus franchising in Greater Manchester – after Mayor Andy Burnham signalled his approval for the move last night.

The Perth-based transport giant, which has run buses in Manchester for 25 years, expressed its disappointment that Burnham had given his blessing to the proposals before the outcome of the judicial review it is pursuing is known.

Stagecoach argues that the consultation carried out by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority on the combined proposals “has failed to meet the standards on proper process, evidence and analysis required by law”. The company said its application for a judicial review on that basis is now scheduled to be considered on May 27 and 28.

Stagecoach said in a statement: “The planned franchising scheme in Greater Manchester would incur £135m of transition costs that would not deliver any new buses or new services and, under GMCA plans, would see above-inflation fares increases for customers. We believe a better approach in line with the government’s bus strategy would be to work together and focus precious taxpayer funding on practical improvements for customers and local communities.

“While we await the decision of the court, we remain ready to work collaboratively with the Mayor and the Combined Authority to get through the pandemic and ensure the region has a sustainable, high quality bus network for the long term.”

A move to introduce bus franchising in Greater Manchester would bring the biggest shake-up in the industry in the area since deregulation in 1986.

Mr Burnham’s support for the proposals comes after the GMCA said two consultations it had carried out on proposals to change how buses are run in the region found a majority in favour of a franchising system. The most recent consultation, held between December 2, 2020, and January 29 this year, came after previously announced bus reform proposals were re-evaluated in light of the pandemic.

If approved, the proposed scheme would be introduced in three phases, in January 2023, January 2024 and January 25.

GMCA argues there is currently “no coordination and limited oversight” of bus operations in the Greater Manchester region. It states that franchising would mean that bus services, including routes, frequencies, fares and standards would be brought under local control. GMCA would commission bus operators to run the services.

Mr Burnham said last night: “My decision will mean that we can integrate our buses as part of a joined-up network, so passengers can easily switch between different types of transport. It means simpler fares and ticketing with price capping, so no one pays more than they need to. It also means a ‘one-stop-shop’ for travel information and a single identity for the whole public transport network, which is attractive, clearly recognisable and easy for passengers to navigate and understand.”