Arriva take over Midland

[arrivaaston]

Arriva dart 2151 is on the 23 today and worked the 23A last night

[Bob]

According to a white board in the traffic office (can see quite clear through window) it states no Arriva branded buses on 35/991, 23 and 62 wonder why?

Maybe their plannin to F##k them routes off first?

[Tony]

Full oft report into the takeover can be read here

http://www.oft.gov.uk/shared_oft/mergers_ea02/2013/arriva.pdf

[Westy]

According to a white board in the traffic office (can see quite clear through window) it states no Arriva branded buses on 35/991, 23 and 62 wonder why?

Maybe their plannin to F##k them routes off first?

They don't seem to like operating between Walsall & Lichfield, do they?

Then again, as that route has been changed a bit over the past few years, its understandable.

You knew where you were with the route when TWM operated it!

[Discodave]

Full oft report into the takeover can be read here

http://www.oft.gov.uk/shared_oft/mergers_ea02/2013/arriva.pdf

Intresting seems they were more concerned on the Staffordshire market Arriva are almost dominant but one bit for bob which may please him

62. One third party indicated it has the ability to expand in the West Midlands and South Staffordshire but would need to consider a number of factors and another that it may try if the competitive offering were worsened in the West Midlands. However, it is not clear to what extent any entry or expansion would be timely, likely and sufficient to counteract any concerns raised.

but sour grapes from another

65. One third party expressed concerns at the low bids Arriva made for tender contracts. However, no merger effect has been identified from this and the OFT has assessed competition for tender contracts above.

Very detailed report and good to see the OFT have made sense.

[Bob]

They should be bloody concerned, Arriva shouldnt be allowed a complete monopoly on the Cannock area services!

[Discodave]

The report only said about 60% of the market was Arriva I can not see this but it did involve areas such as burntwood as NX still operate there was a lot to look through even very small stuff such as coastal liner was included so this shows even if small it all counts to a non monopoly in Staffs, with regards to the West Mids they have 3% according to centro and evidence Arriva put to the OFT.  Its a done deal the OFT are happy but weather the public will get a better service in either county or more competetion In the West mids is another matter.  Its nice to have another large player with some clout its will Arriva use it in Staffs I am afraid its basically a West mids situation in reverse Arriva are the only main option.  This thread needs to be put to bed
.

[mikestone]

Fares are increasing on Monday to NXWM levels.

[Bob]

Clout? Id hardly call a fleet of MPDs cascaded in to replace an even worse fleet of MPDs & solos gearing up to use their clout lol! give it 6-12 months itll go tits up like Chase.... Theyll never ever compete successfully with nxwm

[Stu]

Bob,

Maybe you should consider moving to West Bromwich or Dudley, at least then you get the pleasure of travelling around on some of NXWM's 14 year old 'clapped out' Mercedes and B6LEs.

[Bob]

the refurbed B6s at least, are 100% times better internally than bloody 03 plate sb120s & darts ! Try riding on half of cannocks fleet. Would WB put their Mpds on inter urban routes on a regular basis??? I doubt it

[4006]

Bob,

Maybe you should consider moving to West Bromwich or Dudley, at least then you get the pleasure of travelling around on some of NXWM's 14 year old 'clapped out' Mercedes and B6LEs.

Don't forget the Spectra's  ;D ;D ;D

[Discodave]

Fares are increasing on Monday to NXWM levels.

On some routes check Arriva website on 9/334 fares cheaper and NX travel card supplements different too 60p on Arriva services and 80p on Arriva/ex midland services

[bwsau cymru]

Clout? Id hardly call a fleet of MPDs cascaded in to replace an even worse fleet of MPDs & solos gearing up to use their clout lol! give it 6-12 months itll go tits up like Chase.... Theyll never ever compete successfully with nxwm

I really dout it! arriva midlands have dramtically improved over recent years and with some good aquirsions lately I think they are going from strength to strength. Arriva are going to do even better I think that they are currently really trying to make a good impression in the west midlands and centro seem obviously to like them. I gre up with arriva in shrewsbury and im quite glad now that they are Walsall's second operator. I hope that nxwm need to watch out because I really hope arriva given them a good run for there money!!! hope to see new commercial routes coming soon!!!!

[Bob]

Doubt there'll be any new commercial routes, nxwm would wipe the floor with em, in walsall eg, if people had a choice between a nxwm b7, omnilink or even a b6le or old b10, compared to a clapped out arriva MPD or even worse any ex midland nail ( stick a pin in the fleet list its 90% sheds) and have the choice of £3.90 for a nxwm ticket or paying £6 what are they gonna do? I might be wrong but unless they expand commercially very widely theyll be a flop as ive said before midlands services are pretty low rent