Franchising is a ‘half-way house’ model that combines the public and private sector. But roles and risks must be carefully considered The East Coast franchise tells us that the infinite suppressed demand actually isn’t there It was the high-watermark of the Thatcher government that brought deregulation and privatisation into common usage – terms...
Facing the wrath of MPs in Parliament, transport secretary Chris Grayling this week launched an investigation and vowed to punish negligent parties Chris Grayling speaking in the Commons on June 4 Transport secretary Chris Grayling has warned Govia Thameslink Railway that it faces losing its contract in the wake of plummeting train service...
Seven-year fuel duty freeze has resulted in more pollution and congestion and fewer journeys by public transport, says Greener Journeys report The seven-year fuel duty freeze ‘has resulted in a 4% increase in traffic since 2011’ When the Tory-led coalition government took power in 2010, transport secretary Philip Hammond pledged to “end the...
The government wants to tackle loneliness. Is this an opportunity for public transport to be part of the solution to another problem? Gothenburg’s Vasttrafik makes its point, and says: ‘Thank you for travelling together!’ Follow social media and you follow corporations and government departments beating an infographic-rich path towards a series of worthwhile...
Stephen Glaister’s inquiry into the timetable fiasco at Northern and Thameslink must be genuine, with nothing off limits In a move I have never seen before, 25 newspaper titles in the north have come together to demand the government “get a grip” Back in 1985, following a short spell with British Rail, I...
On June 23, Stagecoach/Virgin’s three-year tenure of the East Coast franchise will come to an end and the state will take over. Former transport minister Norman Baker predicts more trouble ahead In less than a month’s time, the government will take direct control of the East Coast intercity franchise – renationalising the flagship...
Alexander Dennis Limited chief executive tells ALBUM Conference that internationalisation has kept up revenues during uncertain times at home Alexander Dennis has exported double deckers to Mexico City The future of UK bus manufacturing cannot be taken for granted, Colin Robertson warned a gathering of bus operators in Glasgow last week. Addressing the...
The problems with the East Coast franchise go right to the heart of the franchising model. I predict more trouble ahead LNER: Starting June 23, 2018 There was a pithy letter in The Guardian this week from one Bob Ward in Leeds. He wrote: “I’m concerned that the trains on the east coast...
Society is getting older and this will bring new expectations. What will it mean for the mobility industry and are we ready? In a changing world where almost all businesses are facing multiple disruptions, new local, regional and even global competitors and the need to justify their continued role to public authorities, stakeholders,...
Managers at Britain’s municipal and independent bus operators were asked to identify the main challenge facing the bus sector… 40% said ‘congestion’ What is the main challenge facing the bus sector? ‘Congestion’ is the most likely response from managers at Britain’s municipal and independent bus companies. Two-fifths (40%) gave this answer in...
Welcome to the ALBUM Report 2018, a publication from Passenger Transport devoted to Britain’s independent and municipal bus companies. Returning for a fourth consecutive year, this year’s report also incorporates the official Conference Workbook for the 2018 album Conference, hosted by McGill’s at the Marriott Hotel, Glasgow, on May 14-16. We hope you find it...
Buses with Euro 6 diesel engines are the best way of tackling air pollution in Britain’s cities, says First’s John Dowie. Rhodri Clark reports Low emission vehicles on show at last week’s Welsh Bus Summit Buses with Euro 6 diesel engines offer the best bang for the buck for authorities requiring rapid improvements...
So what’s this franchising for?