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Believe in coaches

11th December 1982
Page 2
Page 2, 11th December 1982 — Believe in coaches
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

THE BRITISH road passenger transport industry has much to be proud of.

Comfortable coaches — some luxurious — realistic timetables and economic fares all contribute to this assertion.

When British Rail's servants chose to take industrial action, the coach operators stepped in. The popular belief is that this is a short-term measure which allows the road operators to make a "fast buck".

This is unfair but understandable public opinion.

Look at the simple facts. The railmen give 24 hours' notice of strike action, then bus and coach operators burn midnight oil to produce an alternative service. The public demand is met for as long as is required. With as much celerity as the rail services ceased, they are back on the rails and the erstwhile bus passengers return to the permanent way. This is not a result of conscious or logical thinking; it is not from a sense of loyalty; it is out of habit. Why should it be so?

The answer surely lies in the psv operators' reluctance to push home their initiative. They fail to win the confidence and loyalty of their temporary passengers. They appear to accept with mild acquiescence that they are but an alternative or second best.

Now is the time when they should be extolling the advantages of coach travel. The Bus and Coach Council may claim that it has mounted a campaign to do just that. We suggest that it is a muted campaign, delivered in a whisper.

Our advice is: be bold, loud and clear; be aggressive and do more now.

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Organisations: Bus and Coach Council

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