GMCA are currently consulting on a proposed franchising scheme for Greater Manchester. I believe it'd be the first of its kind under the legislation brought in by the Buses Act, and I'd imagine other PTE/PTAs are keeping a close eye on this one: https://www.gmconsult.org/strategy-team/...sultation/

There are five days left in the consultation.

I finally contributed to the consultation on Tuesday. A decision is now due in March.