(Yesterday, 2:49 pm)Superman wrote A permit system would apply the same requirements on the services operating inst it as the franchise would, otherwise the permit to operate within would be revoked. There would be no difference, on the ground, except for the bus livery.

While the proposed permit system would make conditions about fares, emissions and  and perhaps about performance standards, doesn't it say that the timetable and route would be up to the operator, and buses would not be in the franchise branding (not that I love the proposed "Angel" name) ? Hence somewhat second class compared to the franchised operation...

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