This might get messy. 

What is your understanding of franchising as it relates to proposals for bus services in the north east?

Does it mean that NECA would take ‘ownership’ of all routes in the area and then award franchises to operators?

Would operators have to bid to run routes?

How would this differ from current secured services paid for by local councils?

I have other questions, but will leave it at this for the moment so as not to confuse things.