Re: British firms bid for Melbourne trams

[A Albert <root@aalbert.antispam.demon.co.uk>]

In article <6pgf8n$ikr$4@news.mel.aone.net.au>, David Bromage
<URL:mailto:dbromage@fang.omni.com.au> wrote:

> 
> > Virgin Rail
> 
> The best on the list so far.

I would not agree. Fares are high, sevice low, timekeeping amongst the
worse.
 
> > First Group
> 
> Never heard of them.

They run Great Eastern, North West Trains (reported to be in financial
trouble) and Great western. GE is their original franchise and my local line
(shared with Anglia - GB Rail). Developing bus/rail through ticketing and a
Metro style service from Liverpool Street (London). 

> > National Bus Company
> 
Mixed reports.
> 

Don't get too carried away about new trains. Most franchises were got on the
basis that there would be new trains by a certain date. One or two have
ordered more trains than they needed to in the franchise agreement. The
First Bus franchises had additional requirements imposed by the Rail
Regulator - including more trains and penalties for late and cancelled
trains. 

Make sure that whoever gets the trams is tightly controlled. Bus
substitiution can be expensive for the franchisee in the UK,

-- 
Tony Albert, Holebroc Doomsday Book 1086
Editor of Rail East
Reply to: aa dot aalbert dot demon dot co dot uk