70% NXWM trips on digital tickets in 2018
National Express Group continues strong growth at bus business after introduction of contactless bankcard ticketing and daily price capping West Midlands mayor Andy Street and NXWM boss Tom Stables marking the launch of contactless ticketing National Express Group is forecasting that 70% of journeys on its West Midlands bus services will be made...
No more conventional EC deals – Grayling
Transport secretary outlines the new public-private partnership models which could be applied to the East Coast franchise in two years’ time Transport secretary Chris Grayling appeared before MPs last week Transport secretary Chris Grayling has indicated that he will not let the next East Coast rail franchise under a conventional private sector franchising...
London and West Mids to share best practice
Memorandum of Understanding is first time two devolved local authorities have committed to share knowledge and work towards common goals Sadiq Khan (left) and Andy Street at London’s Traffic Control Centre A knowledge-sharing agreement between London and the West Midlands will enable the two to learn from each other to improve not only...
Liverpool City Region’s ‘big bus conversation’
While acknowledging the success of the Bus Alliance with bus operators, LCR’s metro mayor wants to take greater control. Rhodri Clark reports Steve Rotheram, metro mayor for Liverpool City Region Steve Rotheram, metro mayor for the Liverpool City Region, said last week that the city region will take greater control of local bus...
Stagecoach identifies ‘huge opportunity’
Group’s research shows ‘cause for optimism’ in prospects for buses, despite nearly a decade of patronage declines. But policy interventions are needed Stagecoach has called on central and local government to work with its companies to capitalise on a “huge opportunity” to combat road congestion and improve air quality by growing bus use....
Corbyn puts PM on spot over bus services
Labour leader uses Prime Minister’s Questions to raise concerns about the plight of local bus services They are the workhorse of our public transport system, carrying twice as many passengers as the railways and providing vital links for communities – yet many were bemused when Jeremy Corbyn put buses in the spotlight at yesterday’s...
The best job in public transport?
Phillip A. Washington of LA Metro outlines ambitious ‘28 by 2028’ vision at Transports Publics show Phillip A. Washington at Transports Publics 2018 With an ambitious plan to implement 28 “mega-projects” by 2028 and an open-ended $860m a year funding pot to back it up, Phillip A. Washington may have the best job...
Glasgow’s transport in need of ‘rewiring’
The Glasgow Connectivity Commission, chaired by Professor David Begg, hears the city’s current transport system is presenting a barrier to growth 24% of land in Glasgow city centre is taken up by roads A “significant rewiring” of Glasgow’s transport system is required if the city is to keep pace with other leading European...
Grayling hunts scalps over timetable fiasco
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...
VTEC hits buffers – who’s next?
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...
Robertson – exports are vital to our survival
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...
‘It’s the congestion, stupid’
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...
