Strong words indeed FarWest - let's look at these in detail
If I look at your posts regarding BoS over the last half year or so, on a number of occasions you specifically refer to BoS as ‘loss making’ or a ‘problem child’ alluding to its financial position.
I specifically refer to BoS as a problem child? Not so. I have used that phrase twice and in relation to Stagecoach Darlington and First Manchester. I have not specifically referred to BoS
Nor have I stated that specifically, overtly or by implication, that BoS is losing money, as far as I can see - I've searched my previous posts and can see no reference to that. In fact, it is a strange thing as I know that you cannot ascertain such information but please, highlight where I have said that specifically.
What I did say was in March 2018 was:
"They have some real challenges and things that many gricers and anoraks just don't see or always appreciate. They are here to make a profit and that is not easy in places like South and Central Somerset. Buses of Somerset arrived as a bold attempt to lay the ghosts of the previous First image. That they also had Webberbus and their cockeyed competitive strategy to encounter was a struggle. When that was sorted, we all knew that the previous unsustainable level of services and fares could not be maintained. We also have to accept that towns like Yeovil are suffering in terms of high street footfall, and Taunton has terrible congestion. I had hopes for the BoS operation and the commitment that they would do things properly - not merely clagging some vinyls on a bus stop. Good quality timetable booklets and a refurb of Taunton bus station seemed to be a start, and perhaps they've been hit by the financial headwinds etc."
I also said that
"They won the war against Webberbus yet then taking the business on seems to have stalled. Is it that they are running to stand still financially? Are they thinly spread so that they haven't got the headroom to manage the Kernow developments, SPS, the day to day challenges of BoS and still look to develop things?"
That isn't a case of saying that they're losing money. Not even an implication. It reflects not only the aftermath of some unfortunate but ultimately necessary cuts. Within that there are some other facts:
- The reduction of some interurban services from hourly to every 90 mins
- The reduction of Yeovil and Taunton locals
- The reduction of the Yeovil to Sherborne corridor from every 30 mins to every hour (or every two hours on Saturday)
It clearly states that BoS (like many a First opco and indeed most other operators) are having to fight some fairly fundamental and almost intractable issues outside of their own control or making. That those reductions have taken place is, of course, regrettable but ultimately reflects the demand and the economics of those services, I would suggest. Were it not, then it would be a strange course of action?
There is the crystal clear recognition that the following the war, BoS then had to win the peace. I seem to recall some comments, might be Alex Carter or Marc Morgan-Huws - it was five years ago so forgive me - who said that they were looking to do things properly and not slap casually slap on some vinyls which is what has happened in recent times. Instead, I experienced six buses in a row with no promotional material internally at all. My disappointment is perhaps they do produce (and have since the start) an excellent timetable booklet and refurbished the bus station in Taunton - expenditure that perhaps was surprising given the competitive environment at that time.
I have immense respect for the management team at FSW. In fact, in response to some ill judged comments in Oct 2016 from a poster, I said "However, look at the FSW achievements and whether they've been driving up and down their empire, it really doesn't matter. They've taken an essentially broken business, removed the gangrenous limb at Devon (and protected those driver's conditions). They've managed to stabilise the Cornish and Somerset operations, and managed to remove their two main competitors. They've also now secured the investment into those two fleets, albeit with cascades into Somerset but updated nonetheless. So if Alex Carter has done all of that yet hasn't driven the 29, I can forgive him."
Now, you're telling us that they are about to kick on with
A promise of big roadside marketing actions in the new year
they’ve now started heavy marketing and branding activity
You know what? That's great news. I look forward to seeing that and, if the changes are half as impressive as Kernow, then I will gladly acknowledge my pessimism has been misplaced and yes, perhaps a comment about the business drifting aimlessly was too strong. There is a finite amount one management team can achieve and if they're now really focussing on Somerset, then that is brilliant.
I still think they have their work cut out in getting a commercial P&R in a provincial town but I certainly hope they can achieve it and fashion a really good successful business in an operating territory that is challenging and with a local authority that has, in recent history, had enough challenges of its own. I wish Alex Carter, MMH, and the rest of the FSW team all the best and nothing would cheer me more than being wrong and seeing more people on more buses in Somerset - (exits pursued by a bear).
I missed a £4m variance on West of England 
