A trip from Lees to Ashton would see the price slashed from £5.50 to just £2.

Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham has confirmed that Oldham’s buses will be brought under public control by spring 2024.

It comes after judges gave the go-ahead for buses in the city-region to be brought under public control after a judicial review was brought by bus firms Stagecoach and Rotala, who claimed the bid to move to the franchising system was ‘irrational’ and ‘unlawful’.

A single bus journey will cost £2 for an adult and just £1 for a child.

One ticket will allow unlimited changes within one hour at no additional cost – meaning, for example, travellers could catch the 84 from Lees for £2 and change on to the 409 to travel to Ashton at no additional cost.

Currently, bought through First’s app, the journey would cost either £6 for two singles or £5.50 for a day ticket – £3.50 more.

Responding to The Oldham Times, Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) said that nothing has been announced regarding daily fare caps, returns, or other ticket types.

Regulated buses are set to be introduced to Oldham – as well as Rochdale, Bury and areas of north Manchester – in spring 2024.

Metrolink tram tickets will be integrated with bus tickets under the proposals.

Bolton, Wigan, and parts of Salford and west Manchester will be the first to see the changes, from Autumn 2023.

Stockport, Trafford, Tameside, south Manchester, and the remaining parts of Salford will be the last – with the changes set to come by the end of 2024.

The buses will still be operated by private companies – but ‘franchising’ gives the mayor control over fares, timetables, and routes.

The Oldham Times: The franchised buses are set to be painted a distinctive yellow colour to fit in with the region’s trams. Photo: Jack Fifield.The franchised buses are set to be painted a distinctive yellow colour to fit in with the region’s trams. Photo: Jack Fifield.

Unite, whose members have previously held strike action outside the First Manchester depot on Wallshaw Street, welcomed the changes.

Unite regional officer Dave Roberts said: “This is a significant step forward. The introduction of bus franchising will benefit passengers, local communities and bus workers alike.

“Unite is working closely together with both Andy Burnham and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority to ensure that our members’ terms and conditions are fully protected during the introduction of franchises.”

However, a spokesperson for First Manchester said: “Whilst we believe that franchising misses the opportunities that a partnership approach offers, we remain committed to continuing to work with Transport for Greater Manchester to develop a sustainable network in a way that works best for customers and communities.”

First has been contacted for clarification on the difference between franchising and a ‘partnership approach.’

Subject to government agreement, the Bee Network will be supported by an initial £1.2bn five-year programme of investment and £438m worth of investment to improve buses, routes, and services – which includes £205m for electric buses and infrastructure, £202m to improve services, add new bus lanes, and improve connectivity, and £30m to improve bus passenger information, fares, and ticketing.

It is all part of Mr Burnham’s ‘Bee Network’ plan – originally the name of the city’s new walking and cycling network, it now additionally encompasses the plan to integrate the fares of the region’s buses, trams, and – by 2030 – trains.

Speaking at an event to announce the changes at Escape to Freight Island in Manchester City Centre, Mr Burnham also revealed that a former Transport for London (TfL) boss, Vernon Everitt, is set to take a leading role in the delivery of the Bee Network.

Additionally, Paralympian Dame Sarah Storey DBE will become the region’s new Active Travel Commissioner – responsible for walking and cycling.

The Oldham Times: Council leader Cllr Arooj Shah spoke at the event, held at Manchester's Escape to Freight Island. (Screenshot from GMCA livestream)Council leader Cllr Arooj Shah spoke at the event, held at Manchester's Escape to Freight Island. (Screenshot from GMCA livestream)

Oldham council leader Cllr Arooj Shah, who was present at the event, said: “I’m really excited to see these proposals bear fruit.

“I look forward to working closely together with Greater Manchester for growth, green jobs, sustainable industries, and, ultimately, for me in Oldham, stronger communities.”