Things aren't Quite Right

Things are not quite right. Seasonally adjusted DfT figures released for the January-March 2008 quarter show falls in passenger numbers, in some cases the first since 2006. This was before national free travel and operators ebullient about post-petrol hike bus demand. It’s nevertheless an early indication of recession.

Things are not quite right. Stagecoach in Kingston-upon-Hull is to make changes to nearly 20 routes, cutting two altogether, blaming increasing fuel costs and low passenger numbers. Both lost routes are subsidised and the local council now faces increases in tender costs (or passengers face a reduction in service).

Things are not quite right. Also in and around Hull, East Yorkshire and Scarborough & District has confirmed concessionary travel reimbursement failings and fuel costs are to blame for a suite of reductions, from the same date as Stagecoach’s. Some of the services are financially supported by local authorities but not all.

Things are not quite right. First in west Yorkshire is increasing its fares by an average of eight percent next week, blaming fuel increases, amid claims by the PTE that First’s fuel prices haven’t actually increased at all, because of hedging. It’s all an excuse, claims Metro PTE. First is no stranger to rebuffs from authorities over fares.

Things are not quite right. Reading Transport, with its 13-vehicle bio-ethanol fleet, increased fares by 10p last week, with predictions of more rises on the way, owing to fuel price rises.

Things are not quite right. Darwen's share price has halved over the last week and although recovered slightly is still significantly below its previous price. The result sees Darwen cutting a quarter off its asking price of its share issue to raise funding to buy Optare (Jamesstan Investments).

Things are not quite right. Inflation at an 11-year high. The threat of food and fuel swallowing up vast amounts of a family’s income.

Things are not quite right. High street spend is down by 0.4 per cent. It’s the high street rather than the industrial estate or retail park that keeps the bus service going. On the other hand, clothing and shoe retailers are cutting prices—solid high street attractors.