THIS AIN’T FRANCHISING

In the post-truth world of politics, what franchising means in the Bus Services Bill is nationalisation without compensation, which even the post-war Attlee government did not attempt — so large or small, at the behest of the local authority, a bus business would be confiscated and offered out to the lowest bidder

INSIDE TRACK

McDonald’s branding on retired London Routemaster RM1682 at a German restaurant site in Wolfrathausen, Bavaria. What the Bus Services Bill calls franchising is nothing like the model used to sell American-branded burgers and fries around the globe. JOHN CARTER

The unwanted Bus Services Bill that is meandering through Parliament includes a power available to certain authorities to introduce what is termed ‘franchising’.

Want to read more?

This is a premium article and requires an active subscription.

Existing subscriber? Sign in now

No subscription?

Pick one of our introductory offers