Llandudno
Established Member
- Joined
- 25 Dec 2014
- Messages
- 2,178
This week sees the start of a network of Cornwall County Council subsidised bus routes most (all?) operated by the Go-Ahead Group on an 8 year contract.
What are the pros and cons of this arrangement?
Pros?
Stable network
Route branding
Reputable operator
Better buses with better disabled access
Fares set by Council
Integrated timetables, presumably they connect/coordinate with trains?
Through ticketing?
Cons
Have the County Council paid too much?
Operator profits go to a multi national company rather than local operators
All eggs in one operator basket, leaving independent operators empty handed
Stifles competition
What happens if Go-Ahead can’t make any money out of it, can they hand the keys back like certain rail franchises?
Personally I think the pros outweigh the cons, provided funding remains in place.
What does everyone else think, can you see this model being rolled out in other rural counties? mind you there are some rural counties that spend very little on subsidised buses!
What are the pros and cons of this arrangement?
Pros?
Stable network
Route branding
Reputable operator
Better buses with better disabled access
Fares set by Council
Integrated timetables, presumably they connect/coordinate with trains?
Through ticketing?
Cons
Have the County Council paid too much?
Operator profits go to a multi national company rather than local operators
All eggs in one operator basket, leaving independent operators empty handed
Stifles competition
What happens if Go-Ahead can’t make any money out of it, can they hand the keys back like certain rail franchises?
Personally I think the pros outweigh the cons, provided funding remains in place.
What does everyone else think, can you see this model being rolled out in other rural counties? mind you there are some rural counties that spend very little on subsidised buses!