Warrington's Own Buses

[Mayneway]

RE: WBT Network Warrington

(09/08/2015 17:01)Dentonian Wrote:  Interesting one this. In terms of bidding to buy the company, this would seem unlikely, if the idea has been rejected before. Also, Arriva wouldn't be allowed to, as they surround Warrington, so would not get past the OFT. First are a consolidating company rather than expanding. Stagecoach is a possibility, as they have no prescence in the area, but in the short term could run from Wigan - not least because if all the reserve stock were removed, the depot would have plenty of spare capacity. Also, politically (and I mean small "p"), it would bear little relation to the situation in Preston, and earlier bus wars in such as Darlington. In those cases, the municipality was (AFAIK) running a reasonable network at reasonable fares - albeit the Darlington fleet was probably past its best. As such, they would be seen as the "saviours", rather than the "goliaths" from out of town.
As you infer, Rotala might be the most likely of all to show an interest in actually buying NW.

I can't see anyone taking an indirect approach in trying to bid for GHA (even only the local ops), but maybe seperate investors would see an oppurtunity in joining Fairbrothers.
I would think the more likely (and sensible) approach initially, would be for Arriva and First to step up promotions on competing routes. The overall difference in fares is so big, they might not ned to even get embroiled in a fares war. Arriva, in particular could brand their routes and remind passengers of their "bargain" fares with external advertising. Not quite so easy for First, because the 100 interworks with the 67, so a large proportion of the Queens Road B9 fleet would have to be involved.

Ii is intriguing to note that Warrington has the Chancellor of the Exchequer immediately to the East, and the "would be" Labour leader immediately to the North, so both will have Consituents watching this closely. I accept that party politics is not really for this Forum, but I suspect both will be rubbing their hands with glee at this situation - for very different reasons!

I know I'm living in dream world by saying this (who knows though) but I'd love to see a well established coach firm who have a large base in Warrington come back into the bus service industry and run in compititon against NW. They have the reputation and name as well as the resources - it would certainly make things more interesting