(22 Mar 2015, 3:27 pm)Malarkey wrote While these threats havent been confirmed by a representative of Stagecoach, why would they confirm that they are true, if they did then that put the entire companies North East Operations into Disrepute which of course they would want to avoid, because of potential implications that it would have on the Company.
But whats to say The Go-Ahead Group and Stagecoach havent already held discussions regarding a potential takeover of Stagecoachs North East Service Operations though if QCS was to be implemented in the near future, we have seen First takeover Western Greyhounds Operations, and Stagecoach/Stagecarriage takeover Leven Valleys Operation in the past month so what is to say the above cant happen.
We dont know what is going on behind closed doors now do we, I would imagine if an agreement is in place between both operators then that wouldnt be announced until after QCS is confirmed, with the final report which was expected to be published in May, now expected to be published by 31/10/15, This gives Go-Ahead plenty of time to prepare for a potential takeover, along with finding New Drivers etc.
With reference to comments about an expansion of operations into other areas for example Northumberland, which I would say is the most likely failing that I am completely wrong in what I think above, but would that not be a commercial risk in the long run, particularly if your planning on taking on upto 300 New Drivers to cover those operations.
The threat has been confirmed: http://www.thejournal.co.uk/news/north-e...00-6314144
At the moment, is QCS definitely going ahead or is the a hearing in the future? We'd have to wait until the actual QCS verdict to see what SC does. At the moment, i wouldn't have thought anything has been decided yet. Plus, i'd imagine most of the SC drivers will be transferred over to the new Operating Company that takes them over (if they do withdraw) rather than brand new drivers being brought in.