Recent content by GrogSmuggler

Hello Are there any examples of railways that started off on Council land? Historically there's been heritage railways that began anywhere from leasing a field from a farmer, or a gardening order with Network Rail, up to taking over a mothballed, defunct line. I'm just wondering if there's any...

What do you mean, only allowed to start with a maximum Peak Vehicle Requirement of 15?

If £35 per hour is the acceptable benchmark 'norm' for bus operation, does anyone know the average cost for operating a coach per hour?

Apologies, I can't find an absolutely definitive answer online. In terms of a Section 22 permit, would an Operators License still be required? I've read one reference that a PSV license is not required to start a non-for-profit operation, under a Section 22 permit. However, if removing this...

You're right. SN65' when I was down there last year. For some reason I remembered them for looking older than they were.

Cwmbran doesn't really have a 'bus station' per-say, it's more a roundabout pull-in of chaos; it's god awful and a pain in the ass if you need to get from one side to the other in a rush. As for that insulting piece of self-damaging artwork that listed unreliability, prices and so forth - not at...

See this post.

When down in Wales I've used that service a few times if visiting Blaenhavon, Pontypool or Cwmbran. I won't be the first to praise the big busco's, but I must be honest and say I would absolutely prefer to use Stagecoach's X24. Yes, the shell of the vehicles might be a touch older; but the...

Thanks Busaholic, We subscribe to a couple of trade magazines and keep apprised with most of the big 5 sleep worthy bulletins. Personally I believe that more often than not operators start small and humble with secure, long-term contracts before branching out into service work. However, I do...

Not in Service. Brilliant.

Thanks @E-Rail, In terms of operations I think our base cost for projections was approximately £35 per running hour, and adjusting for the numbers you provided took us up to £38.41 per hour; or £37.81 on a contract hire maintenance agreement.

Even though you have the money to cover the vehicle itself for any maintenance required and proof of competency, it doesn't really connect directly with how much money should be in the business to ensure a healthy start-up period. For example. You could have a fleet of twenty one vehicles...

Morning Busaholic Thanks for your reply, but I would still be keen to hear an actual answer. One appreciates the numbers involved with operation, and the red tape realm of ball ache that we reside in. It's more about peoples individual perspective that I'm interested in hearing out. I hope you...

Hi Everyone. Please take it with a pinch of salt. In your opinion how much cashflow do you think a startup operation should have? Really wanted to leave this question broad and open to not influence any answers. I was hoping this thread might just provide a bit of light hearted back and forth...