West Midlands buses vs

[Ben]

I was just thinking of how well operators such as National Express West Midlands/Coventry and transport authorities such as Centro compare to their counterparts in other areas, since I have recently moved to Preston (Lancashire).

I thought it would be an interesting topic to compare operators/PTE's, inside and outside of the West Midlands. Obviously all in good spirit.


In terms of transport authority, I've come to realise how excellent Centro is compared to other places.
Here in Preston, both the borough council and Lancashire county council need to get into the 21st Century. SOME local bus stops here have a digital display by an organisation known as 'Civitas', but the likelihood of it working is probably 1%
Even the bus station has a lack of electronic screens.

Having said that, the buses seem to operate to a reasonable standard, but even the newer hybrid Wright Eclipse double deckers operated by Preston Bus seem to be in worse condition internally compared to a lot of NXWM Tridents which are older.

Although pricing is reasonable on Preston bus. £1.75 for a single ticket.

See my sig for my opinion of Stagecoach. Say what you like about the company, but the pricing makes no sense at all.

[Alex]

Blackpool's buses are quite decent, tbh, some of the East Lancs are quite decent for their age, at least in comparison to the Y reg Tridents in the midlands, and its good to see Excels still in service somewhere. Also, being able to get on bus and trams for only £2.25, in comparison to about £4.20 in the midlands

[Tony]

Blackpool's buses are quite decent, tbh, some of the East Lancs are quite decent for their age, at least in comparison to the Y reg Tridents in the midlands, and its good to see Excels still in service somewhere. Also, being able to get on bus and trams for only £2.25, in comparison to about £4.20 in the midlands

£2.25 vs £4.20 ? please tell us which prices you are comparing.

[Alex]

The bus and tram tickets

[Tony]

The bus and tram tickets

Aaah. Child rate with the West Midlands price wrong!

Blackpool Bus & Tram ticket £4.50 (£2.25 child)
Midland Metro & Bus ticket £6.00 (for a much larger area) (£4 child)

[Bob]

Blackpool's buses are quite decent, tbh, some of the East Lancs are quite decent for their age, at least in comparison to the Y reg Tridents in the midlands, and its good to see Excels still in service somewhere. Also, being able to get on bus and trams for only £2.25, in comparison to about £4.20 in the midlands

Blackpool transport is amazingly still in public ownership. !

[Ben]

Blackpool's buses are quite decent, tbh, some of the East Lancs are quite decent for their age, at least in comparison to the Y reg Tridents in the midlands, and its good to see Excels still in service somewhere. Also, being able to get on bus and trams for only £2.25, in comparison to about £4.20 in the midlands

Blackpool transport is amazingly still in public ownership. !

I thought Blackpool Transport was 'arms length'? I was wondering how long it would be before complete privatisation? If so who would take over?

[Tony]

Blackpool's buses are quite decent, tbh, some of the East Lancs are quite decent for their age, at least in comparison to the Y reg Tridents in the midlands, and its good to see Excels still in service somewhere. Also, being able to get on bus and trams for only £2.25, in comparison to about £4.20 in the midlands

Blackpool transport is amazingly still in public ownership. !

I thought Blackpool Transport was 'arms length'? I was wondering how long it would be before complete privatisation? If so who would take over?

All 'Corporations' are arms length Companies