I've been meaning to post this for a few days but haven't had time! Following on from my last post and my e-mail to Stagecoach, I received a prompt response. Apparently, if Finglands and Stagecoach both worked together to provide a better service they would be guilty of being 'anti-competitive', hence they have to run against each other! Absolutely ridculous!
Calls for re-regulation of bus services in major conurbations are increasing and I agree with them! This article indicates that the government may be thinking the same way. Let's hope something comes of it and this stupidity is resolved.
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Interesting. I wrote to my local MP about the state of the buses and he says he is campaigning for re-regulation of the buses to give power back to the Councils. I wholeheartedly support this!
I don't, if you live in North Yorkshire, you'll see what I mean, Tory council, 'nuff said!! They were the ones who mess things up, and if a Tory council like NYCC controlled fares and services, I don't think I want to go there!!
I'm against it, Quality Contracts will never work, as the Council and the operator (and in some the PTE) need to work together, QC's is just councils dishing out contracts and nothing eles, and Leeds who else are there within distance worthy to perate, just First and Arriva. However I think the in the 7 PTE areas, that the PTE's should Highway control, to help bus operators.
The best way to increase bus usage is the Quality Partnership, as it benfits, the operator and passenger, where and operator buys new buses, and the council can help make sure the buses get the priority.
On Stagecoach, if I do recall they have blasted the GMPTE as the LTP doesn't have anything to benefit to make bus travel better, thats why they have some good ideas for Manchester by thier own idea.
IF re-regulation happens, it'd be hell up in North Yorkshire where the county council is Tory, like they do anything for the public.
Thank you for the comments!
I think re-regulation would work in some areas. In conurbations like West Yorkshire and Greater Manchester it's needed to improve weak links in the transport network.
Sure, First and Arriva have bought up all the competition in Leeds but if there was an open market for all routes it would be easier for other companies to get in there.
Ten years ago competition was thriving in Leeds, with companies like Taylors and Optional Bus offering an alternative to the main operators. However, with their massive resources these companies were squeezed out by First using their extra resources to wipe out the competition. If a company like Optional were to come onto the scene after re-regulation they could be sure the only competion they'd face would be at contract renewal time.
Also, as far as I'm aware there have been no calls for reregulation in rural counties like North Yorkshire, only major conurbations.
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