Authority. TfGMC and its subcommittees are made up of a nominated pool of 33 councillors from the ten metropolitan boroughs of Greater Manchester who manage TfGM and create transport policy in Greater Manchester. Although it differs in certain structural forms, on the day of its inauguration TfGM became the second most powerful and influential transport organisation in England after Transport for London because it unites previously splintered governance over transport policy in the boroughs under one body. It elects its own Chair and Vice-Chair and assumes the functions previously performed by GMITA as well as the newly devolved transport powers and responsibilities from government and the ten metropolitan councils which make up the area. The 33 councillors have voting rights on most transport issues despite not being members of the GMCA: major decisions still require approval by the GMCA, but the functions that are referred (but not delegated) to the TfGMC include making recommendations in relation to: The budget and transport levy Borrowing limit Major and strategic transport policies The local transport plan Operation of Greater Manchester Transport Fund and approval of new schemes Appointment of Director General/Chief Executive of TfGM Services Manchester Metrolink The Manchester Metrolink light rail system launched in 1992. Entirely subsidised by TfGM without a government grant and operated by KeolisAmey.<ref>RATP buys Manchester Metrolink operator Railway Gazette International 2 August 2011</ref> It carries over 43.7 million passengers a year. With 99 stations it is the second largest local transport network in the United Kingdom after the London Underground. Further expansion to Stockport is envisaged. Altrincham-Bury line Altrincham-Piccadilly line Bury-Piccadilly line East Didsbury-Rochdale line Eccles- Ashton line Manchester Airport-Victoria line MediaCity- Ashton line Crumpsall -Trafford Park Line Rail services Rail services are operated by Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, Northern, TransPennine Express and Transport for Wales. TfGM subsidise fares on certain local services and fund station refurbishments on an ad hoc basis. Buses Free Bus and Metroshuttle: launched 2002, free bus service around Manchester city centre. New services were provided in Bolton, Oldham and Stockport after success of the service in Manchester. Bus services operated by private operators including Arriva North West, Bullocks Coaches, D&G Bus, Diamond Bus North West, First Greater Manchester, First West Yorkshire, Go North West, Rosso, Stagecoach Manchester & Vision Bus Maintenance of bus shelters and stations including Shudehill Interchange Ring & Ride – An accessible, low-cost minibus service for people