"What if" National Express West Midlands is sold to new owners?

[Straightlines]

TFWM should at least give the West Midlands smaller operators a chance to operate larger routes though, for example Landflight who has great potential can operate a route which benefits them and TFWM

TfWM aren't interested in smaller operators operating their work.

[BBS]

TfWM aren't interested in smaller operators operating their work.

What's the point of having them then?

[BusDriverBosh]

TFWM should at least give the West Midlands smaller operators a chance to operate larger routes though, for example Landflight who has great potential can operate a route which benefits them and TFWM

That's if the company can do the routes, driver capacity, the right vehicles, etc

[Tony]

TfWM aren't interested in smaller operators operating their work.

Completely the opposite, they actually go around trying to encourage operator s to join the bidding for tenders

[MW]

TfWM aren't interested in smaller operators operating their work.

Small or large, they're interested in who provides the lowest cost or the best value.

What level of innovation or active measures have these smaller operators shown which will lower costs or offer greater value? Diamond, whilst they have questionable service, usually are innovative when it comes to costing tenders, hence their dominance in that market.

Innovation such as:
- one of the first to invest in next generation Ticket machines, which allows for greater BSOG reimbursement

- Collecting additional revenue; by way of developing an App, and of course Contactless and then publishing the multiple payment methods on every single "Brighter Diamond" liveried vehicle

- Purchasing LEB certified vehicles (Streetlite) which in turn give greater fuel economy and allow for a slightly higher BSOG rate on Commercial services

- Retofitting lower value Solos to Euro 6 thereby lowering Operating Costs vs the purchase of a new vehicle or operating lease costs

- The purchase of pretty much all of their rivals in the tendered market

As much as Diamond has a shoddy reputation, you can't deny that their business sense is spot on.

[j789]

TFWM should at least give the West Midlands smaller operators a chance to operate larger routes though, for example Landflight who has great potential can operate a route which benefits them and TFWM

By larger routes I guess you mean those that make a commercial profit? If so, there is nothing stopping those smaller companies competing on those routes commercially too. However, very few do which probably tells you all you need to know about the long term potential for smaller operators running commercial routes.

Landflight operate tendered services which gives a level of financial security for a set contract period. Most smaller companies are in this position - commercial services offer too much financial risk for them. But you can't just decide to say 'Sorry NX you can't run the 50 anymore, let this smaller operator have a go' - not realistic at all!

[Rachvince53]

Correct, the only way TfWM would be able to do that would be through franchising as is happening in Greater Manchester. 

[Straightlines]

Completely the opposite, they actually go around trying to encourage operator s to join the bidding for tenders

Oh they do - But the specification, requirements and overall terms are barriers to entry for SMEs. 

You only have to look at how many operators have ceased trading in the last decade that relied on their work.

[the trainbasher]

TfWM aren't interested in smaller operators operating their work.

If that's the point then why are operators like Kevs and Landflight bidding and winning work? 

[BBS]

If that's the point then why are operators like Kevs and Landflight bidding and winning work?

Dont see the point in them if TFWM wants larger operators 

[BusDriverBosh]

Dont see the point in them if TFWM wants larger operators

TfWM would rather work with smaller companies, giving them a chance in joining the network

[BBS]

TfWM would rather work with smaller companies, giving them a chance in joining the network

That took a while to reply, but TFWM also wants reliability in their services rather than being like Stagecoach and missing out operating