On 29 Oct 2013, at 03:55 pm, "Ben Cole" wrote:

Dear Mr Williams

Thank you once again for your email in which you have clarified the requested information.

I appreciate you taking the time to calculate some values for the school service, however owing to commercial confidentiality I am not prepared to discuss in detail the specifics of our costs and revenues. I would like to explain that school services are one of the most expensive services to operate as they only run for 190 days but incur the overhead costs for a full twelve month period. As the schools would require services at our busiest time we would not be able to sufficiently utilise the bus outside of the peak hours operation to create the necessary revenues to cover all areas of costs for that vehicle.

The second point you make regarding the safety implications should be addressed to your local authority, as the footways and highways fall under their responsibility.

We informed the local authority on 15th October 2013 of the change scheduled for 10th November and if a requirement for education transport under their responsibility for social necessary transport was needed, then they would have an opportunity to put out to tender specifically for Deer Park School.

I apologise for the inconvenience this change will have but we could not continue operating this corridor at a loss.

Kind Regards

Ben Cole
Commercial Officer
Stagecoach West

#7: Jo - Response from Stagecoach

This was a comment from:

Stagecoach Group Chief Executive Martin Griffiths, July 2013

"What is your message to investors for the year ahead?
The Group is in great financial shape and we've made a good start to the 2013/14 year. The public transport market has long-term fundamental strengths and we have secured a leading position in a range of growing markets in the UK and North America. If you look at issues such as rising road congestion, increasing environmental awareness and higher car operating costs, all of these factors are positive drivers for our business. With a continuing supportive policy environment, I'm confident we can make bus and rail rather than the car the travel modes of choice for increasing numbers of people in the UK and in North America."

... hm... so taking AWAY school bus provision and forcing people back into cars .. at least here in Cirencester... doesn't exactly tally with promoting publie transpost over the car does it eh?