The letter from the BBSY said: “Such a body would also be invaluable to the SYMCA as it would provide an authentic local voice in any bid for equitable funding from central government for maintaining and improving local services.”
It added that the body should include “representatives of bus user groups, workers in the industry, community organisations, disability groups and other civil society bodies”.
BBSY campaigner Roy Morris said he was worried that “when routes are being franchised out, companies could reduce working conditions and pay less”.
Fran Postlethwaite, from the group, added: “Passengers and industry workers need to be at the heart of developing and running services under public control.”
Mr Goggins, Director of Bus Reform at the SYMCA, said: “We are committed to working with user groups, trade unions, stakeholders and hearing from the public directly to get their views on what the service will look like, from priorities for the bus network to vehicle design.”