Manchester bus franchising

[Rodney259]

RE: Manchester bus franchising
Just reading (in Manchester Evening News I think) that, summarising what a Salford Councillor said, is that privatisation of bus services destroyed them and how much better things are now. Interesting as the current franchising is being subsidised to the hilt by local and national taxpayers. Also they were restricted by being unable to cross subsidised routes. The private operators managed to provide very good quality stock and reasonable services in the restrictive and cash poor environment in which they operated. I see the government has cancelled the building and refurbishment of quite a number of hospitals due to cash constraints. Wonder if the lavish spend on buses in Manchester and excessive wage increases in the public sector without strings will continue or maybe they'll just cancel more hospital building? The economy isn't in a good state and seems to be heading downhill so will be very interesting if the excessive subsidies the the Bee Network continue and franchising wil continue be the panacea Burnham and his chums think it will be. I have grave doubts.