Andy Burnham, the Labour Mayor of Greater Manchester, has today announced the plan for ‘Our Network’ – a London-style, integrated public transport system.

‘Our Network’ sets out a comprehensive plan to improve public transport and walking and cycling networks in Greater Manchester over the next ten years.

A notable feature of the new plan is the recommendation to franchise the region’s buses, following the Combined Authority’s assessment of potential options.

Jeff Smith, the Labour MP for Manchester Withington, said:

“Buses account for 79% of all public transport journeys in Greater Manchester, but we know that coverage and quality across the network is variable. A key cause of this has been a lack of integration between different companies.

“So I’m very pleased to now see the Combined Authority recommending a new franchised bus system for Greater Manchester. The decision should give us the power to coordinate the network, makes fares more affordable, and hold bus companies to better standards.”

You can read the full vision for Our Network here.