STOP THE BUS BULLY BOYS

6.40.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 24th Jun 2008

Councillor Roger Conroy

Roger Conroy, Lib Dem Councillor for Spencer and Kings Heath has called on First Bus to end its bus war to drive its competitor Meridian out of the area.

'Much as First's bus fare of 50p from town to Kings Heath is excellent short term news for local bus user, I challenge them to say it will last' said Roger Conroy. 'Meridian have offered an excellent £1 service for the area, Now First Bus are running a service for 50p in Kings Heath, so why not for the rest for Northampton? Can First guarantee that this fare will continue to operate if Meridian are forced to close?

Roger Conroy has challenged First Bus to state if their objective is to force Meridian out of business in Kings Heath. Do they really want to provide a good value service to local people?

I fully support any action which helps local residents with travel costs, I am concerned though that if Meridian are forced to stop their service, and First then become the only provider that fares will revert back to £1.60 or above.

This is an appalling example of bully boy tactics by the big national bus companies to drive out the small guy who is trying to offer a service to the local community. Healthy competition only works when people play fair.'