Jonathan Welch takes a look at the contents of TfGM’s new report on the status of its franchised bus network
If you’re a cynical kind of person (regular readers might think I am…) then you could be forgiven for thinking that the latest press release from Transport for Greater Manchester trumpeting the success of ‘taking back control’ via its newly-franchised Bee Network bus network might contain a lot of PR speak and not much in the way of interesting information. And to be fair to TfGM, its role is to both improve its transport system and to publicise it.
I’ll be honest and start by saying that some of what’s contained in TfGM’s new report detailing how the move to the new regime has gone so far doesn’t help its argument; speech bubbles with compliments from passengers could say the same thing for Arriva, First, Go-Ahead, Stagecoach, or any of the other big names with big PR departments. “Friendly driver. Parked bus right by kerb and lowered it when he saw we had a wheelchair. Offered to do ramp too and showed us how new ticket machines work.” is hardly a glowing endorsement for the new regime, nor is getting the basics right with “clean new bus. Next stop announcements working – audible good upstairs at back of bus,” whilst “driver stopped to let an elderly lady off outside her house between stops as it was snowing, which was very much appreciated by her and fellow passengers” might be great PR but whilst it was no doubt good customer service, half of those reading will be moaning ‘they shouldn’t stop between stops…’ regardless of the colour of the bus.
Those are all things that we should be aiming for in a transport network, and TfGM is right to be proud that its drivers are doing their job well – and it might make for some nice speech bubbles – but it’s not news in the grand, multi-million pound scheme of things. It’s the kind of thing that should be (and for the most part is) normal on any transport network, and happens day after day across the country, irresepctive of the colour of the bus. Likewise, “nice friendly driver. Electric bus – lovely and quiet, smooth and clean” is hardly an endorsement for franchising given the investment that is happening nationwide in zero-emission vehicles, though I’m sure TfGM will point to the increased speed of change thanks to the new operating contracts.
So having skimmed through it and cringed at some of the content, is there anything that’s useful and interesting beyond the superficial? Maybe. Let’s take a closer look.
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