(02 Sep 2019, 8:04 am)Andreos1 wrote
Surely if numbers are dropping, something needs to be done to arrest that drop? Regardless of how big the demand is or what the market segment is like.
In the old GAG shareholder reports, there are specific objectives about increasing passenger numbers and exploring new markets.
In a growing population and with pressure on motorists to ditch the car, the demand for public transport is only going to get bigger.
It is up to operators to meet that demand and to price it so that it becomes an attractive alternative.
It's basic economics to do so. Bleating on about priority measures is only part of the story.
I've mentioned many times in this very thread that the prices on the 20/20A and now X20 are beyond a joke.
Getting to and from the railway station in Durham by bus for a few days away (business or pleasure) isn't an attractive proposition by bus. Cost and the hike up the hill all point in a negative direction.
I stopped making that journey.
My demand is/was elastic. I've got alternatives which are cheaper.
I think all operators would rather squeeze more profit from the current " locked in passengers" than really go all out to get more.