(04 Jun 2016, 7:37 pm)Tamesider wrote I don't know why the Quote has disappeared, but in the Summaries I've read and presentation I've seen, I don't think its strictly true.
The Elected Mayor will have the ultimate decision as to whether to go ahead with Franchising (or another option) and may very well have ultimate responsibility. However, the services themselves will be drawn up by the Local Transport Authority, and be subject to some level of "public" consultation.
You are perfectly right in saying "Be careful" though, as I'm sure the North East has its share of Bus hating (and therefore Bus *user* hating) politicians, just as Greater Manchester has.
The issue is though, there is no longer a 'local transport authority' as such, as far as Tyne and Wear or even the North East goes. Transport is a devolved matter to NECA, and the lead for Transport (Nick Forbes at present) would report directly to the mayor. It's always going to remain party political, unless an independent gets in.