MidlandRed.net

I'm still not convinced that this initiative is good use of public money (?) -- surely the number of extra customers gained will be matched by the loss of those saying "well I'm not going to pay THAT " - when full fares resume !

I recently sent a simple, polite email to a small Worcestershire operator asking them if they were participating in the scheme, and "how much, please" is your return fare between Worcester and Upton, - but they couldn't be bothered to reply !

(I was in no hurry to get the OAP pass that I'm now entitled to, but because of the cost of living increases, I shall now bring this forward !)

Certainly no sign of an exit strategy yet, and the more they extend the scheme the more people will come to expect it. Extending the scheme by just three months will be causing operators headaches right now as budgets will need to be adjusted and plans changed, all with the prospect of it all happening again in June if they decide to renew again.

£2-00 maximum single fare extended to end of October 2023 then £2-50 maximum single fare for November 2023 as per attached link to official Government website;

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/gove ... l-services

Very interesting news, thanks Tim.

P.S. - When's the General Election ?

DD12, I believe you're becoming a cynic?

Well interestingly the £2.50 fare is due to run till November 2024.

The next General Election has to be by the end of January 2025 I believe.

So the discount fare will probably run out just before the Election. So perhaps buses might actually feature as a prominent GE subject for once as I can't see the raising of bus fares as a positive issue that any party would want to impose.....

943KHA wrote: ↑

09:35 Wednesday 17th May 2023

DD12, I believe you're becoming a cynic?

Yes !!
-- but it's good to see that you, -- as a true fan of MIDLAND RED ( - the vehicles, at least)
-- are still using this forum, and this excellent website !

It's getting a bit late, now, for us to hear from any new people from that era, unfortunately.

I'm glad to see that the Transport Museum Wythall are going to do a Midland Red 120 celebration in October 2024 !!