Keane Duncan says he is prepared to introduce London-style franchising to revolutionise York & North Yorkshire's buses if he is elected as the region's first Mayor.
Currently operators are free to run bus services wherever they like across the county.
Under bus franchising, the new mayoral combined authority would determine routes, timetables and fares, with operators bidding competitively to run services under contract.
Franchising could pave the way to simpler ticketing, coordinated timetabling and consistent standards of service for passengers.
Keane said: "I’m prepared to use new bus franchising powers to direct routes, timetables and fares here, just like in the capital.
"I’d be the very first Conservative Mayor to take this approach.
"But I will not do so at any cost. I'm not prepared to write a blank cheque. There must be a robust financial case.
"And unlike Labour, I will not make a decision driven by the ideology of ‘public control’. I will follow the evidence and do what is best for passengers.
"So if I’m elected Mayor in May, I’m pledging to commence a full and thorough assessment of franchising on my first day.
"I believe everywhere deserves decent transport - not just London and the big cities, but more rural areas like mine too."