(23 Apr 2023, 2:46 pm)Adrian wrote It's also worth pointing out that there are some independent operators that have a lot of public contracts for running bus services, but up to now have taken zero commercial risk in the market. In my opinion this is just as bad, as it contributes nothing back in to the network.

Have to disagree with that one mind. They're just small companies doing a bit of a side business making money for a local independent firm which might top up another area of their business so it's sustainable. You just have to look at Scarlett Band which when they lost the Park & Ride contracts went out of business and they did used to try and run some stuff commercially.

It's better than the suits getting money from the tax payer to run services which they don't want to run for whatever reason. If they're happy with that then why aren't they open to every service being the same... as they don't half kick off a fuss every time it's suggested. You can't take from one hand and then not want the same with other routes which actually make money which could be used to fund these services.

Not to mention if any independent dared to run a service competing then the toys come out the pram and the likes of Magic Bus turns up and if they did find a service which did make money then the Big 3 would be onto it like a leech.