Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen has dismissed proposals to franchise local bus services, reinforcing his stance against raising taxes to fund changes to the region’s transport network.
The mayor’s refusal comes after Middlesbrough Council passed a motion calling for an end to bus deregulation. This system currently allows private companies to control bus routes, timetables, and fares, which has led to concerns over service quality. Labour councillor David Branson, who introduced the motion, argued that ending deregulation would give local authorities the power to improve services, particularly for vulnerable communities like Stainton and Thornton, where residents face difficulty accessing key locations like James Cook hospital.
In response, Houchen criticised the franchising proposal, stating it could lead to the transfer of significant taxpayer funds to large private companies. He also questioned the financial viability of the plan, emphasising that the region’s recent £1bn transport funding allocation could only be used for infrastructure, not operating services.
While Houchen remains open to alternative proposals, he remains opposed to any model that would result in higher taxes for local residents.
