The Region’s bus network should be re-regulated as soon as possible, in order to end the decline in bus usage, according to local  Brian Simpson. 

Speaking in support of the region’s two PTE’s, Mr Simpson said that our urban areas should have the same system as London, where the regulated network means that Transport for London can control services, control the quality of services and the fares charged. 

“Lets be honest about this; traffic chaos has hit the streets of our cities and towns because we have a plethora of bus companies competing for a declining number of passengers, whose sole aim is not to offer quality service, but to make profits at other peoples expense” 

In Greater Manchester alone, bus companies receive via GMPTA, £30m a year of taxpayers money, yet the PTA’s have little say in what services are provided, the same is true for Merseyside.  This is in stark contrast to London where everything is regulated and passenger usage has increased. 

“You don’t have to be a genius to work out which system works better.  Look at London, then look at our big cities and towns - London has new buses, more services, low fares and total control.  We have 20% of buses allegedly not roadworthy, less services, higher fares and little control.  It has become a shambles that the Government needs to sort out.” said Mr Simpson. 

However, the private bus companies are fighting hard to resist any change in the present regulations, but Mr Simpson believes that time is running out. 

“Having the Labour Party Conference in Manchester was a boost to our campaign, because Ministers saw for themselves the chaos caused by the present deregulated system.  If we are to deliver a proper integrated, public transport system that is efficient and affordable, which is what the Government tell us they want, then we must re-regulate our buses as soon as possible and give the PTA’s the power to hire and fire” concluded Mr Simpson.