Concerns on a Monopoly

[ashurstdave]

Richard Madge from Bexhill Rail Action group has said -
"The winner of the Southern Rail franchise will be announced this summer and take over operations in September. Were Stagecoach to win, it would have an absolute monopoly over all public transport in the area ( Hastings / Eastbourne being referred to ). Surely this cannot be in the interests of passengers? "
The comments were made following Stagecoach take-over of Eastbourne Buses and Cavendish Buses with an immediate loss of 65 jobs. Eastbourne MP - Nigel Waterson and Tory Leader ( Ebn Borough Council ) were concerned on the impact of a monopoly in the area.
Should Stagecoach win the franchise, it would likely mean the end to the discount fares and day group save rail rover tickets that are current available with "Southern" trains.

[Andy]

Its funny that something should come up about stagecoach and a monopoly, as its reported that is stagecoach that are after the east coast mainline.

SO if they win that, and win the east coast, then they are virtually having most of the UK, either on their own on the join venture with Virgin.

[ashurstdave]

I agree entirely. On a recent South West Train's Web-Chat, the questions from the audience showed huge passenger discontent in Stagecoach operations. Judging by recent media reports, Stagecoach's East Midlands franchise is run on similarily inhuman lines - mainly complaints concerning ticket gates and admission to platforms. A "Rail" contibutor photographer was recently prevented in covering the "twinning" of a Class 222 with the "Tornado" at Sheffield Midland by platform staff in spite of having advance permission from an EMT host. Railway journalist - Alan Williams - also has concerns about Stagecoach franchising, following the dismissal of over 10% of its workforce.

[class47]

Stagecoach's dispute with sunday working on EMT is not doing them any
good either.