Glasgow"s buses face local control debate amid political tensions
- Andy Burnham has been promoting a franchised public transport network in Manchester, which has led to discussions in western Scotland.
- The Strathclyde Partnership for Transport voted in March to consider local control of bus services through a franchising model, the first major change since 1986.
- Critics warn that this could cost taxpayers significantly and may harm the current public transport system.
Andy Burnham has been advocating for a franchised public transport network in Manchester, which has sparked discussions about similar changes in western Scotland. The Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) voted in March to consider bringing bus services back under local control through a franchising model, marking a significant shift in Glasgow's transport system since its deregulation in 1986. This proposed change could potentially cost taxpayers £15 million initially, with estimates suggesting a staggering £400 million annually in the long run. Critics argue that this move could undermine the existing public transport network, which is currently viewed as superior. The debate is intensifying amid political tensions, with concerns that adopting such a model may lead to inefficiencies and financial burdens on the local government and taxpayers. The implications of this decision could reshape the public transport landscape in Glasgow for years to come, as stakeholders weigh the benefits of local control against the risks of increased costs and potential service disruptions.