Manchester revolution could turn around transport

Should our city regions be run by high profile elected mayors or committees

George Muir was director general of the Association of Train Operating Companies between 1999 and 2008. Before that he was a director of Morgan Grenfell and a financial advisor to the privatisation of the UK electricity industry and to many oil and gas companies.

George Muir was director general of the Association of Train Operating Companies between 1999 and 2008. Before that he was a director of Morgan Grenfell and a financial advisor to the privatisation of the UK electricity industry and to many oil and gas companies.

A scene from 2006 Manchester "bus war" between Stagecoach and UK North

A scene from 2006 Manchester "bus war" between Stagecoach and UK North

There is a revolution underway in Manchester which will affect how transport and most other things in that city are provided in future. Though there is a lull in activity now, things will heat up soon, and what is happening is very interesting.

But first, a question: what sort of leadership do you want to see in a major city? On the one hand, I can offer you a handsome smoked glass door; on the other, a bicycling Boris. Not an easy choice. The latter we know well, and will see around for a...