A chance today with not a great lot happening and partly inspired by an article in Buses Magazine this month, now with the growth in the economy it is now noticeable that Bus Companies are struggling to find drivers, First Bristol currently have 150 agency drivers on their books, which they have addressed by raising the pay rates, the problem is now nationwide and companies are beginning to look at making cost reductions elsewhere by cutting service frequencies, fuel costs are now at a record low of under a £1 a gallon meaning passengers are taking to there cars, but if you put up fares passengers will respond by saying"Why", it also means that companies can no longer afford to upgrade their fleets in the way that they used to, Ipswich Buses have experienced this but with recent changes can now invest in buses once again, however companies are being forced out of business not only by this but by lower reimbursable rates from free passes, the change this year and next year from the DDA requirements means it will be a stormy year ahead.
THURSDAY FLASHBACK
Now fully restored at the ITM, is ICT Karrier/Park Royal Trolleybus 105 on the 4 to St Augustines whilst behind is another restored bus in 16 CDX 516 an AEC Regent III, picture would be taken in the early 1960's.
No comments:
Post a Comment