The Community Transport Association (CTA) has welcomed proposals for bus franchising in Greater Manchester – but it has called on the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) to consider the community transport sector in the decision-making process.
CTA says that a franchising approach must protect its members’ interests and ensure that the integration of services that are commercially viable with those that are socially necessary is undertaken efficiently.
CTA stresses sector’s social value
In its response to the GMCA consultation into franchising, CTA urges GMCA to “incorporate social value metrics into contracts” and give them a high weighting.
Doing that, it says, would “ensure that wider social benefits are adequately taken into account when services are procured.” It also wants to see ease of access to franchising assured for small operators.
CTA’s response further advocates that consideration is given to how community transport services would be integrated into franchise arrangements. It also seeks clarity on how routes operated under Section 22 permits would fit within the franchising landscape.
Noting the legal requirement that community transport organisations (CTOs) do not make a profit, CTA has additionally called for GMCA to ensure that CTOs “must not be unduly penalised or less able to compete for contracts owing to them operating in rural areas.” It says that relates to provision of infrastructure such as electric vehicle charging points.
Help should be provided to CTOs for the purchase of zero-emission vehicles, it continues.
Covering bases for its membership
“If costs to upgrade vehicles are unsustainable, CTOs may be unable to participate in the procurement process, leaving those with the greatest need, who are reliant on community transport services due to mobility issues, without access to transport and vital services,” CTA adds.
CTA has also called on GMCA to explain what steps it will take during the transitionary period towards franchising to mitigate a possible lack of investment from operators that are concerned about not winning a franchise.
