Just seen a post on Yahoo groups saying that Norfolk Green have been purchased by Stagecoach. Although not official it is "common knowledge in Kings Lynn". Not only that but Stagecoach have apparently expressed interest in First's X1 between Lowestoft and Peterborough, Whether they are interested in taking it over or competing against it has to be seen, but just when we all thought everything had quietened down the speculation and interest will build again.
I knew something was in the wind but I thought go-ahead were biding their time so as to corner the east so to speak hmmm well that puts the cat well in the chicken hut lol
ReplyDeleteI think Arriva's gradual expansion North East could be more significant to be honest. They have taken over Network Colchester on the quiet and it wouldn't surprise me in the slightest if they had their eyes on Ipswich Buses too. They have history there with Maidstone Borough Council (Boro'line) and although I have no evidence whatsoever for this I'm still going to sit and watch quietly.
ReplyDeleteIt's official now - it's on the EDP website, the Wall Street Journal(!) website and elsewhere.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, as you say, interesting times ahead. Looks like First haven't been 'left' with East Anglia after all. X1 rumour aside, I wonder how long it'll be before Stagecoach start a service between King's Lynn and Peterborough, linking the networks in both places.
If I'm not mistaken they will have a link in Spalding with their Boston service. I wonder about a Kings Lynn - Cambridge service to compete with the trains.
ReplyDeleteWell, I was thinking about a more direct route, but you're right about the Spalding link. I've used that before too - don't know how I forgot about that. There's a link in March as well, offering connections (and through ticketing apparently) for services to Peterborough, Huntingdon and Cambridge.
ReplyDeleteKing's Lynn to Cambridge service - maybe, especially with First running the trains round there. There's about a half hour gap between Downham Market and Ely (which have existing services from Norfolk Green and Stagecoach respectively at the moment) according to Google Maps.
FSN was separated out wasn't it from the original idea for a joint operation with Essex, and then only got an interim MD. Explains it all - an interim "solution" and easier to dispose of the Co without another break-up? They need the cash to pay down debt, and won't sell the US ops. Will the competition authorities have a view, they've come down on Stagecoach and First before, but is that just hegemony where they run together as in North Devon, or in the region? Nice one.
ReplyDeleteYet First Ipswich is getting its own Business Development Manager. I agree I can't understand why First would sell its flagship route. There are conflicting signals being sent out and I think the next year or so could be very interesting.
ReplyDeleteYeah, First look short of money; I get the impression their management are floundering; and their investors are edgy.Their AGM is mid-year so coming up to that will be interesting.
ReplyDeleteThe other thing with First is that it's all about margins. They are trumpeting the North's improving margins, but nothing I can see about the East. I just wonder if it's the latest millstone? They talk about growth, but where: desperation or expectation? They've just lost out on one bit of growth, haven't they? The Ipswich unit, on a limb, could revert back to First Essex, I suppose.
ReplyDeleteThinking about it: doesn't it make sense for Stagecoach to run the X1 out of Kings Lynn (and it is a Stagecoach Gold sort of service linking with the X4/X5, so they have the marketing) perhaps jointly with First out of the east. And economies of scale for Wirst who need the capital. And perhaps explain why (if) Stagecoach overpaid for Norfolk Green. I like the "run it as a separate company" not as part of Stagecoach East though - a nice ruse to persuade the competition authorities not to interfere. Clever Stagecoach: Wirst: flight not fight (again), perhaps sensibly, they always loose!
ReplyDeleteIf Stagecoach do run it I can see it terminating at Norwich, during the off season months certainly - Yarmouth at the most Easterly maybe. I can't see them being bothered with the Yarmouth - Lowestoft market as there is already too much competition established with the 1/1A and 61. The paying public won't want yet another different company only accepting their own tickets so a separate X1 on that part of the route makes no sense at all. You also have the overnight stabling to sort out at the eastern end of the route. If Stagecoach want the X1 in its entirety they may well have to take over Eastern Counties lock stock and barrel. Ipswich may well end up being very isolated. No change there then!
ReplyDeleteOne thing I think is certain, it'll be First dancing to a Stagecoach tune (and not the other way round).
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