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Before joining Sabug it is important to realise what we can and cannot influence.
We do have some influence on local issues like suggesting where to locate new bus shelters and timetables and improving minor service changes implemented.
A Selection of questions/comments included below should help you understand why we do not cover certain issues.
Q Buses are supposed to be a service-why should bus operators have to make a profit.
A Whilst SABUG agrees that buses provide an important service, in 1986 the government privatised an deregulated the industry. The current government shows no sign of changing this. The result is that most bus operators have shareholders to satisfy and profits to make in order to invest in new buses. Any member of the public wishing to change this should write to their elected representative.
Q Do the Councils subsidise any bus services.
A Regrettably, Southend Council took a decision in 2005 to stop subsidising socially necessary bus services and that policy remains in force. This means that areas of the City of Southend that are not served commercially by the bus companies have no service. In Essex(ie Rochford and Castle Point Districts within our area),the County Council do subsidise some essential bus services, a couple which also come into parts of Southend.
Q Two operators run a bus every 60 minutes along my road, but both come at the same time, why cannot the operators merge their timetables to provide a 30 minute ly service.
A This is due to the Competition Act. Senior figues at the Office of Fair Trading are purported to have said they would rather have 2 buses from 2 operators come together ever hour than both operators merging timetables to provide a half hourlly service, as people have a choice of which operator to use which is good for competition. If two bus operators were to "talk" to each other and be found out they would be liable for a hefty fine.
SABUG takes a dim view of applying the Competition Act to the bus industry but ths is a national issue. Members of the public should write to their elected representative.