How the Germans do bus franchising

Franchising is one of the three main types of bus operation in Germany, accounting for 40% of all bus kilometres nationwide
 A franchised bus in Kiel, Germany (Pic: Anshel Cohen)
 BY Anshel Cohen, KCW
With several British authorities considering whether to franchise their bus services, Germany can provide a useful point of comparison. Franchising has played an increasingly important role in the German bus market over the past few decades. During this time, bus usage has remained stable