3d Travelling by Bus

Overview

There are over 60 bus operators in Greater Manchester ranging from smaller companies operating school services to major companies covering large areas. Large improvements have been made in recent years in terms of quality and service – low floor technology, newer buses and greater frequency are now standard on many routes.

Where staff travel patterns are concerned, if there is a proven business case, bus operators can be approached to discuss tailoring the service more closely to the needs of employees. It is only worth approaching the operators if you are a large company. If there are several companies in close proximity to you, it would be advantageous to talk jointly to the bus operators. Each district council also has a dedicated Travel Plan Coordinator who may be able to assist you with negotiations.


First Contacts

To obtain an overview of buses operating in the Greater Manchester area contact the Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive (GMPTE) Travel Plan Coordinator on 0161 242 6527, or the AGMA Travel Coordinator on 0161 242 6020.

What information does a transport operator need to know from you as an employer?

• number of employees
  
• clusters of employee residences
  
• working patterns e.g. 9-5 or shifts
  
• proposed routes (if possible)
  
• days that the service will be operated
  
• budget for the scheme

Some useful contacts (remember that operators will only be able to offer discounted ticketing or discuss service arrangements with large companies):

Simon Bennett, First Manchester, Managing Director (Business Unit – West) 01942 614724

Robert Mason, First Manchester, Managing Director (Business Unit – East) 0161 203 3105

Ray Cossins, Stagecoach Manchester, Business Development Manager,
0161 276 2577

Definitions

Commercial services are those which are operated by a bus operator who pays for all the costs associated with running the service, sets the fares and keeps all the revenue raised through the fare box. As these services have to be commercially viable they also tend to be on the more popular routes.


Subsidised services are those that are operated by a bus operator but are supported by a third party, which can be either a private company or the Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority. In general the operator takes all the revenue raised through the fare box.
The Passenger Transport Authority is restricted in the level of services it can subsidise because of a limited budget. It must ensure that any services that are subsidised represent best value for the local taxpayer.

Ticketing

Discounts

Some individual bus operators have their own daily, weekly, monthly or annual tickets. If your company is relatively large, or several smaller companies join together, some operators may wish to offer discounts to a larger group of employees. With smaller numbers this would be administratively too time-consuming for the operator. Employers will have to discuss with bus operators how tickets will be administered.

Employers can assist in providing cheaper tickets for their employees by providing further discounts and/or season ticket loans. However, any discount provided by the employer is subject to tax. For further details on Income Tax see Section 6e.

It is important to ensure that you offer your employees the right kind of ticket. If you are trying to encourage commuters to use the bus one day per week, a monthly discounted ticket will be of no use!


System 1 Travel Cards and Daysaver tickets

Most bus operators in Greater Manchester participate in the System 1 Travel Cards scheme which also covers the Metrolink network and all scheduled rail services within Greater Manchester. System 1 Travel Cards are available from GMPTE Travelshops at bus stations, post offices and train stations.

Daysaver tickets can be purchased directly from bus drivers, Metrolink ticket machines and at rail station offices.

Travel Information

GMPTE (Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive)

• 0161 228 7811 - For all local bus, train and Metrolink enquiries in Greater Manchester or visit the GMPTE Web Site at www.gmpte.com
  
• 0161 242 6040 - To ask for public transport timetables (24 hour answerphone)

Timetables

GMPTE produces timetables for all routes operating in Greater Manchester. These include timings, a route description, a route map and further information on contact numbers and ticket sales.


Providing A Bus Service

The benefits to an employer of providing a bus service can include:

• a larger catchment area from which staff can be recruited
  
• net cost savings from reduced car parking
  
• easier transfer to new premises

Subsidising a bus service

Some large employers have subsidised bus services in order to provide for the specific needs of their staff, for example to allow those who work early mornings or late evenings to travel by bus. If an organisation is in a position to subsidise a bus service, it should approach the operator directly who will advise on costs and feasibility. Any discounted fares offered to employees as a result of this counts as a taxable benefit. See Section 6e: Travel Plans and Income Tax.

Re-routing /re-scheduling

Following market research and surveys of employee residence, travel patterns etc, a business case may be established for adding, extending or changing a bus route and/or schedule. The following must be taken into consideration:

• if a bus operator decides to change a route or timing, 6 weeks notice (42 days) is required to register the change
  
• if new infrastructure such as bus stands or shelters is required, planning permission may need to be obtained from your local planning authority

If you are considering altering a bus route, your local district Travel Plan Coordinator may be able to help you with negotiations. Call the GMPTE Travel Plan Coordinator on 0161 242 6527 for details.

For information on bus stands and shelters contact GMPTE on 0161 242 6960.

Choosing Measures
Travel Plans and Walking
Travel Plans and Cycling
Travelling by Bus
Travelling by Rail
Powered Two-Wheelers
Using Taxis
Car Sharings
Car Clubs
The Place of Cars
Car Park Management Strategy
Managing Business Travel
Changing the Way We Work
Travel Plans and Cleaner Fuels
Travel Plans and Deliveries