Stagecoach Manchester

[8860Brian]

RE: Stagecoach Manchester

(18/06/2014 19:38)Mayneway Wrote:  I agree with you regarding the competition aspect but I do think it's right that the deal itself is looked into. Don't forget Stagecoach have never shown any interest in JPT and waited till JPT were on their knee's before they allegedly made them an offer, plus the surroundings of the whole deal were unusual. It seemed to be kept quiet until it had been signed and sealed - all very different to previous takeovers.

The thing that annoys me is that the CMA seemed to have failed to consider the circumstances of the situation. Imposing the condition that JPT vehicles must be used where possible on former JPT services is near impossible considering the state of the vehicles.
During the Preston bus fiasco the OFT claimed it was in the best interests of the passenger that Stagecoach sold PB, so bearing that in mind surly the passenger is much better off in Middleton with the services being run by Stagecoach and not the shambles that was JPT.

Are we sure it was Stagecoach who made the move, my understanding is JPT announced they were to cease the Thursday before Easter leaving their Bank Holiday and their normal services uncovered. I hear that there was no fuel at JPT and buses were regularly running out on service yet all of a sudden right at the last minute they had a reprieve and covered most of their Easter contracted services, more so on the Sunday and Monday. The following week JPT buses were fuelling at Stagecoach Middleton and then it was announced Stagecoach would take on the 118 and 156 services plus schools and the evening/weekend tenders, it was later still when the fleet moved to Stagecoach. The question is did TFGM approach Stagecoach to help and ensure the contracts were covered and set the ball rolling, not forgetting most of the contracts are up for re-tender in July anyway leaving only the 118 and 156 as an addition to Stagecoach’s Middleton services. Surely Stagecoach wouldn’t want the fleet under normal circumstances having condemned most the previous week and it must be costing a considerable amount to put them back on the road many of which have a very limited life due to their age.
The next consideration is we believe the CMA require the services to be run as a JPT operation, yes one or two buses have JPT stickers but why when there are 10 JPT buses back on the road at Middleton are the majority of buses on the 156/118 services Stagecoach’s own. I’m not forgetting the 276 service to Withington which I think is tendered I just don’t think it’s relevant to the vehicle allocation or any long term plan. This is certainly more than a simple take over and for once without the full facts I think Stagecoach actually helped.
Brian