Arriva called to PI

[Tony]

I am told by a very reliable source, although I cannot find it in N&P yet that Arriva Derby has been called to a PI for failing to operate to the registered routes.

This might explain the sudden batch of route changes made by Arriva Midlands recently.

Looking at route changes made by Arriva Derby it looks like they have only made 8 route changes in the last 18 months. As during this time the new Derby Bus Station has opened it looks like Arriva have never registered any of their route to go in there!

[Discodave]

What would the punishment be they would not reduce licence numbers for that maybe just a telling off or a small fine and told to pull their socks up.

[Solo1]

It may be in the next N&P that is out

[Tony]

Beverley Bell has found them guilty and ordered them to run two services free to passengers after 7pm for a year

Now that is a different type of punishment

[andy]

Beverley Bell has found them guilty and ordered them to run two services free to passengers after 7pm for a year

Now that is a different type of punishment

Do we actually know exactly what they did?

[Tony]

Beverley Bell has found them guilty and ordered them to run two services free to passengers after 7pm for a year

Now that is a different type of punishment

Do we actually know exactly what they did?

Changed routes/terminii in Derby City Centre without telling VOSA so buses were off registered route

[andy]

Beverley Bell has found them guilty and ordered them to run two services free to passengers after 7pm for a year

Now that is a different type of punishment

Do we actually know exactly what they did?

Changed routes/terminii in Derby City Centre without telling VOSA so buses were off registered route

I just cannot for the life of me understand how that could happen? They're lucky it wasn't a more serious sanction. Personally I don't really see how this is a sanction atall.

[Tony]

Beverley Bell has found them guilty and ordered them to run two services free to passengers after 7pm for a year

Now that is a different type of punishment

Do we actually know exactly what they did?

Changed routes/terminii in Derby City Centre without telling VOSA so buses were off registered route

I just cannot for the life of me understand how that could happen? They're lucky it wasn't a more serious sanction. Personally I don't really see how this is a sanction atall.

Oh it is quite a good sanction. It is their two best routes (47/48) and they are not allowed to take fares after 7pm, but must maintain the current timetable with these free buses for at least 12 months. It will cost them several thousand pounds, but unlike a fine which goes to the government it benefits the passengers who they inconvenienced.

Ms Bell has spotted a possible loophole as well and closed it before Arriva get the chance to use it. Arriva look like they are going to surrender the Arriva Derby license and pur Derby onto the Arriva Midlands one. Ms Bell has said if the Arriva Derby is surrendered any other company registered on the 47/48 must also run these services free of charge!

[andy]

Beverley Bell has found them guilty and ordered them to run two services free to passengers after 7pm for a year

Now that is a different type of punishment

Do we actually know exactly what they did?

Changed routes/terminii in Derby City Centre without telling VOSA so buses were off registered route

I just cannot for the life of me understand how that could happen? They're lucky it wasn't a more serious sanction. Personally I don't really see how this is a sanction atall.

Oh it is quite a good sanction. It is their two best routes (47/48) and they are not allowed to take fares after 7pm, but must maintain the current timetable with these free buses for at least 12 months. It will cost them several thousand pounds, but unlike a fine which goes to the government it benefits the passengers who they inconvenienced.

Ms Bell has spotted a possible loophole as well and closed it before Arriva get the chance to use it. Arriva look like they are going to surrender the Arriva Derby license and pur Derby onto the Arriva Midlands one. Ms Bell has said if the Arriva Derby is surrendered any other company registered on the 47/48 must also run these services free of charge!

It's very clever, but for me there are two concerns.

It actually closes the door to any possible competition as no other company can now register on these routes and charge fares. I know that is unlikely at the times mentioned but it is the principle I am talking about.

Also it doesn't really punish Arriva effectively as they will still receive their concessionary income, fuel duty rebate and multi journey tickets and travelcard income will not be affected.

And I still don't get how routes could be changed without somebody at Thurmaston getting involved?

[richie]

What's stopping them surrendering their licence and not registering the route if they use arriva midlands licence?  Or what if they register a new route number and vary the route?

[sconehead85]

Andy- Reply #6-  Because they're ARRIVA. Thats self explanatory!
In my home city of Liverpool they run step entry buses on QBC routes. In 2013 (but not for much longer I must add).


sconehead85

[Tony]

What's stopping them surrendering their licence and not registering the route if they use arriva midlands licence?  Or what if they register a new route number and vary the route?

I put the wrong service numbers in, it is 44/45, but the full decision prevents Arriva Derby from varying or cancelling the services. She has also put in that if the Derby licence is surrended and the 44/45 route (at any time) is registered by any other Arriva company then the same rules apply. So in other words the only way Arriva can get out of this would be to surrender the Arriva Derby licence and then not register on the 44/45 at any time on any other licence. As this is one of the best routes in Derby somehow I cannot see them doing that.

[andy]

Andy- Reply #6-  Because they're ARRIVA. Thats self explanatory!
In my home city of Liverpool they run step entry buses on QBC routes. In 2013 (but not for much longer I must add).


sconehead85

But this isn't a matter for flippancy, I have worked in a commercial office and this sort of thing just doesn't happen anymore, let alone an operator of this size. I would be very surprised if the person concerned is still in a job.

[Gareth]

Good chance for Arriva to turn this into good publicity. Anyone who doesn't read the local press or knows what has gone on will be very impressed by Arrivas generosity in free bus travel for a year after 7pm on those routes.

[mranon]

couldnt they set up or use an alias, for example register it under lyell t/a midland?