I'm sorry to make this post a personal gripe, but it has to be said. Its an injustice like all others. Stagecoach bus company are a bunch of evil motherfuckers, and I hope they are the first against the wall when the revolution comes. For once, I didn't use my bike, because I was travelling with a friend. It cost £2.80 for a day pass. We went to the cinema. And then, on the way back, they wouldn't let us use the day pass because it was past midnight!!!! ANd to get on the 86 cost another £2. I felt like they were mugging me.
Not only do they overcharge, and play games like this one, they also invest in arms companies, and their busses piss me off while I'm cycling. If we're overthrowing capitalism, stagecoach would be a good start. The exemplify greed and evil, in my mind.
Comments
Hide the following 9 comments
un-Lining Souters pockets
21.12.2003 10:59
I so agree about Stagecoach. Round my way, they are,unfortunately the only bus co and
so everyone is stuck with old and clapped out busses (they leak when it's raining,are
very uncomfortable and have a tendency to not turn up). There is only one low floor
bus and that thewy got from a small co that went bust recently.
Also,they only run evening services if subsidised by local council,otherwise,as happened
last year they stopped running them until Council stumped up more.
Brian Souter,the founder of the co is an outspoken homophobe and alround utter shite.
Many areas with other companies have lower charges and some town centre ones are half the
price of stagecoach (20p instead of 40p a ride).
Where stagecoach runs with other co's-it's usually the other company that forces
stagecoach to at least match their lower prices.
That's not to say other companies cant be just as bad in some areas though.
And lets not forget that Bus drivers are amongst the worst off in terms of having
bad work contracts (long hours-little breaks) and get a lot of hassle.
See bus drivers union info.
Point is, what can we do about it ????
GL
poster
21.12.2003 11:36
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NonComposMentis2003
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Well...
21.12.2003 21:29
I think mass bike promotion is the way forward, in combination with a tactic of pointing out with subverts exactly how much people are being cheated when they catch the bus. And maybe when the time is right, we can do the whole bus/canal thing. But you know, in my opinion, they're much worse than McDonalds, because at least people can choose not to eat that crap. Stagecoach really have the monopoly on some of the bus routes in Manchester, and can get away with totally ripping us all off.
After Christmas, you may see me at the DoSummat meeting. You most likely know me anyway.
Hermes
the problem with sabotage in this case...
22.12.2003 20:24
Maybe it's time to start creating our own alternatives... local biodiesel bus co-ops anyone? :)
anarcho-cyclist
buses, rain, rain, buses, rain... brave person with good legs & no kids on bike
23.12.2003 19:04
stagecoach are absolute shit..
biodiesel bus cooperatives. sounds good. where do you start to make it happen?
or are there other less big things people could do..
there must be a lot of people who are pissed off with stagecoach..
heather
heather
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biodiesel
23.12.2003 19:23
NonComposMentis2003
chorlton metrolink
23.12.2003 20:01
The winner from a shortlist of tenders was expected to be announced in Autumn 2003".
no update from that.. don't hold your breath. This was a press release in 2002. I can't find much more but i haven't looked that hard so its probably out there.
"Alistair Darling, Secretary of State for Transport, announced the single contract deal - worth £520m - in the House of Commons today during Parliamentary questions. Whilst the scheme will cost some £820 million, there will also be a private sector contribution of £300 million. Four consortia are currently being considered for the 'single contract' to design, build, operate and maintain the three extensions to Rochdale and Oldham, Ashton-under-Lyne and Manchester Airport. Tender prices have also been requested for the extensions to East Didsbury and Stockport and The Lowry, following which, further Government support may be sought. Subject to private sector funding, the contract may also include an extension to the Trafford Centre. The consortium that is awarded the contract will also take over the operation of the existing Metrolink lines to Bury, Altrincham and Eccles.
With funding now secured, Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive (GMPTE) expects to announce the preferred bidders - a shortlist of two - within the next two weeks. The contract is likely to be awarded by late 2003, with construction planned to start in Spring 2004. It is expected that all the lines included in the single contract will all be complete by 2010.
Anyone wishing to know more about the Metrolink 'single contract' can contact the Metrolink hotline Monday to Friday between 9.00am and 4.30pm on 0161-242 6789.
Press contact:
Manchester City City Council: Janine Watson on 0161 234 3337
GMPTE Press Office: Becky Marr or Anthony Hobbs on 0161-242 6245.
heather
metrolink & what to do
03.01.2004 23:03
Stagecoach were targetted a while back in Manc, a bus painted pink at the time of a Mardi Gras parade, and also on the 'Challenge Anarchy' Mayday events a couple of people in wheelchairs repeatedly rolled under the wheels of stationary buses whilst people on foot leafletted.
Stagecoach Manchester, Head Office, Hyde Road, Ardwick, Manchester, M12 6JS
0161 276 2540
Stagecoach Manchester
Head Office, Daw Bank, Stockport SK3 0DU
0161-228 7811
Main Switchboard
(0161) 273 3377
plus they own half of Virgin Trains
....if you want to find more office/depot etc addresses, search the web, try the business library, go to Companies House, etc.
For info on how to research companies, go to the Corporate Watch link off the following website.
There is also a link on how to occupy offices if you want to try out that kind of direct action, plus legal support etc, all from www.eco-action.org/blinc
If you need contact with people who've done this kind of thing before, try Manc EF! as above.
.
Serco
20.01.2004 11:44
Hermes