(04 Apr 2017, 10:46 am)GX03 vote grabbing imo.
Funny how its vote grabbing if you disagree and democracy if you agree. Unfortunately, deregulation HAS failed the vast majority of bus users in GM, and doubtless most other parts of the UK. Five years ago, things looked reasonably rosy, but today - no chance. Fares up TEN fold (as of 2 days ago) since de-reg, when general inflation has been barely 170%. Service cuts gathering pace especially in low car ownership areas, and punctuality the poorest it has EVER been - certainly regarding a certain company. No names, but I'll give you a clue, Passenger Focus' annual survey has just found them to be rock bottom out of 53 companies in passenger satisfaction rates for "On the bus journey time". Hardly a surprise. I've noticed appalling punctuality on my most frequently used route 7 days a week between 0900 & 1100 hrs. Last Friday, I had to catch the bus at 0652 (not been up that early in yonks). Arrived at my stop on time, but despite a lack off traffic, it was 8 minutes late (more than 50%) reaching its destination.
The question is not whether De-reg has failed, its whether any Mayoral candidate is willing, or indeed, able to turn things round - and its not just a question of (public) money.
