Talks of Liverpools bus network being "council" run

[lcm453]

RE: Talks of Liverpools bus network being "council" run
This topic is certainly provoking debate. The big companies are bound to rail against any form of re-regulation as it would mean them having to do what they're told by elected members (who themselves have competing agendas).

The Stagecoach view is, quite frankly, pathetic.

1. What will they do with their fleet if they pull out of a metropolitan area?
2. The same goes for their real estate?
3. The controlling authority or another operator(s) will fill most gaps left by such a withdrawal.
4. Overheads will still be there to some degree but revenue won't.
5. If the legislation is changed by a new government after the general election will Stagecoach stop running else where as well?

Of course not.

The majority of commercial bus services can only continue to operate thanks to the huge amounts of money paid to them for the concessionary pass scheme. Without this, services would not cover operating costs by cash fares alone and given that even in a re-regulated environment non pass holders would still be paying fares.

S not such huge costs would necessarily follow.