(01 Apr 2020, 8:12 pm)Wybus wrote But at the moment they aren’t working in a deregulated market, because the government has specifically told everyone not to travel. That’s the big difference that can’t be planned for.


And regarding funding for better emissions, if there was no funding then all the bus companies big and small would just say no, it’s not commercially viable.

For the last 24 years they have been though. 24 years of taking all those funds in the various guises, but not wanting government (local or central) involvement - or at least keeping it at a minimum.

Surely you can see the hypocrisy in that? Even in these crazy times. 

Companies are taking advantage of the government schemes and others are using the schemes as a way of surviving. 
At what point do bus operators become different to other business, who don't get two lots of help (as the operators want), in addition to all of the other financial support they get under different guises? 

I've already listed several bits of financial support they get already. Add a bit furlough in there and whatever else they fancy/say they need. Why stop there? 
I'm sure the big CEO could forgoe a percentage of his 7 figure salary to help out.

And that includes the airlines. 
Branson owns an island in the Caribbean. I've never been to the Caribbean.
He uses his island as a tax haven so his companies avoid paying tax. I pay my taxes.
He sues the NHS. I rely on the NHS.
He's worth £4bn. I'm overdrawn.
He wants me to help bail him out. 

The operators are doing a cracking job in the circumstances. I will be the first to say that without them, people would be knackered. 
Surely they have to take the rough with the smooth?