Impera Bus & Coach

[First Class]

RE: Impera Bus & Coach
If Impera had operated the 30 correctly and lawfully, then they would not have attracted the negative attention attributed to them on this forum.

I am happy to give them a break and see how they get on with the 47, but if it is withdrawn or significantly altered within 6 months of starting, I can only conclude they are only interested in short term profit, rather than building up a solid reputation based on innovation and customer service. They, of course, need to generate a profit, but public transport is just like a new brand shop, you have to be prepared to take a loss, confident that in the long run, you will recoup that in new custom.

Regarding the premature termination of the tendered routes, Impera attracted criticism, which I still think is justified, but it importantly revealed the financial inefficiencies and lack of control and/or accountability Merseytravel has over their tendered routes, and the procurement/contract process. Other operators are exploiting Merseytravel weaknesses just as much as Impera did.

I am in dialogue with PTEG and the DfT over other aspects of Merseytravel functions, and the procurement function needs to be reviewed.