'Weca needs to control its own bus network'

Greater Manchester's mayor has called on West Country transport bosses to take control of their bus network.

Andy Burnham brought Manchester's buses back under public control in 2023 and believes the West of England Combined Authority (Weca), which manages public transport in Bristol and Bath and North East Somerset, could follow a similar transport model.

Burnham now has the power to manage bus routes and fares, which has resulted in a number of changes including the introduction of the "hopper fare", where a single fare is valid on most buses for an hour.

Helen Godwin, Weca mayor, said the authority is "looking carefully at all of the options for how to take greater control of our buses".

Unlike Greater Manchester, Weca does not have revenue-raising power through council tax, as that is instead raised by local authorities.

"The revenue is important because once you raise the money to take control, you control the money," Burnham said.

He spoke of Liverpool and South Yorkshire, which have recently taken steps to take back control of their own bus networks, something Greater Manchester has already achieved.

He said he wants to support the Weca mayor in doing the same, adding there is "a lot of collaboration that goes on between mayors".

"She (Godwin) is a close friend and she's doing a great job," he said.

"I'm going to help Helen all the way on this because I know she wants to get there.

"I realise it's more difficult here because of the situation she inherits, but honestly I think a city like Bristol needs to be in control of its own transport," he added.

Ideas for a mass transit system have been floated around for years.

Godwin said franchising is "not a quick or cheap fix".

"As Andy knows it takes years and has meant an extra charge on people's council tax bills - which is not something we want to rush into.

"It's true that what's right for somewhere else may not always be the best model for the West of England, which is much more rural than Greater Manchester.

"More immediately, we're already working to quickly improve our bus network, as we secure more investment and make the most of devolution to catch up with other regions," she added.

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