Very sad news. So, the most money losing operator in UK, London Sovereign, is once again under the same group as the most profitable operator, Yorkshire Coastliner! I hope we can still enjoy more leather seated buses in the future!
The operation of buses outside London is largely commercial, with small support from the local town halls.
many of those companies operate in poor areas, or at least areas which are not wealthy. Blazefield operations are profitable.
but in recent years, their profits are well down- as fuel prices have more than doubled. the companies find it very hard to pass the increased costs to their customers.
The large companies such as Stagecoach, First, Arriva and even Transdev have other operations such as rail franchises - so they cross-subsidise the bus operation. and they see opportunity for the future by acquiring smaller compatitors, or going into areas they are not operating now.
Even in London, some bus companies are struggling. there are presistant rumours about Centra London in Mitcham -being put up for sale...
