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CONCERN: Brian Souter.
CONCERN: Brian Souter.

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Stagecoach boss attacks tram plans

David Ottewell
7/10/2005

THE MILLIONAIRE boss of bus giant Stagecoach has launched an attack on the tram-based masterplan for public transport in Greater Manchester.

Brian Souter branded the document "fundamentally flawed", claiming it showed "no vision" for buses, saw no future for park and ride and would force people to pay higher fares.

His company - which runs dozens of routes across the city-region - has commissioned an independent review of the plan in an attempt to force change, the Manchester Evening News can reveal.

The Local Transport Plan (LTP) will shape public transport across Greater Manchester from 2006-2011.

Mr Souter believes it is biased towards the Metrolink network and will force bus operators not to compete with the tram.

Feelings

His attack was rejected by transport chiefs, who said the plan included a "key role" for buses - while saying bus use had fallen four per cent last year. Stagecoach claims the number of full-fare customers has gone up 25 per cent in nine years. Mr Souter made his feelings plain in a letter to Roger Jones, chairman of the Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority.

"The details of further bus priority measures are generic and sketchy at best, with no mention of how the difficult congestion nodules are going to be tackled," he wrote.

He is concerned about "corridor partnerships" where one form of transport - rail, Metrolink or bus - will be chosen as the "primary mode" along each route, with the others being shaped to "underpin and support" it.

Chris Mulligan, director general of GMPTE, said: "The strategy does make positive reference to both a vision for the bus network and to the potential role of bus-based park and ride schemes. However, the number of bus journeys in metropolitan areas is falling each year."

Are we sacrificing buses for the sake of a tram system? Have your say.


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Most recent 2 of 6 user comments

   I think the aim for the LTP is cut down on carbon particles created by buses,especially the Magic buses that I accasionally drive. If Brian wants to compete,it would be an idea to use an alternative fuel,which I'm in favour for. @Keith,out of interest,what state of condition have the buses been in you experience? I find that the Metro newspapers can be a nuisance,they seem to end up on the floor. Also,at the very back of the bus on the floor,the floor is always dirty,most likely caused by filthy passengers who have no regard,either spitting,chewing gum,left food and so on. It's the way some people are that use the bus,unfortunately. I can't comment on Wythenshaws service as that is out of Princess Road,i work from another depot. But usually when I'm on the 44 service,there seems to be alot of buses going around Wythenshaw.@Steve W,what part of south Manchester are you from? I drive the 203,192 service etc.@Anette,yes,i hear many times that bus drivers are ill-mannered,but I try to make it better by being decent. I cannot understand why they are,maybe because they experiencing a bad day. As for re-nationalising the buses,it is a sad fact that it won't happen. It is a Business,unfortunately the company is out to line the pockets of Brian Souter
Stagecoach driver, manchester
10/10/2005 at 20:13

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   The best thing Brian Souter can do is send his drivers of the 219 bus on a very long customer care course and perhaps have the buses cleaned now and again. Sometimes the drivers are quite pleasant but the majority have never heard the words please and thank you and look at you like you are a piece of dirt.

I welcome the competition!
Sarah, audenshaw
10/10/2005 at 16:47

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