direct to your inboxGreater Manchester looks likely to press ahead with plans to take control of its bus network after a year that saw Covid stall the process.Transport chiefs are recommending leaders pursue a franchised system following a review of the proposal in the light of the pandemic.If Andy Burnham agrees, the move would make Greater Manchester the first place outside of London to have a regulated system since the 1980s, in a change designed to create a more functional network with streamlined fares and timetables.The plan - which has been backed by all councils, although Bolton town hall has expressed some concerns - will initially go before councillors for scrutiny next week, before going before council chiefs and finally the.