Express Bus Service - A Missing Gap?

[jammy36]

I think the dial needs slightly turning towards innovation though. Not by much but very slightly and I think many managers try not to take risks for fear of repercussions if it goes wrong.

Yes, I agree, but fear the time to do so may have passed. The Stagecoach Falcon service seemingly suggests there may be previously untapped opportunities out there, but that is an outlier and I suspect such potential routes are few and far between. Unfortunately, I expect a combination of ongoing uncertainty because of the pandemic and what the post-pandemic economy will look like, plus (rapidly) escalating costs and labour shortages mean that in the short to medium term at least battening down the hatches and an even more risk averse outlook will prevail.

 

[Deerfold]

I always find the advantage of bus tickets is that they are always the same price throughout the day. No fluctating at peak times, which made it very attractive for students like myself. Although it did take a while, it was worth it.

That's not true everywhere. My local buses have a more expensive day ticket before 0930 (although for part of their journey ENTCS passes are valid from 0900). They're currently £1 fixed fare after 1900.
Some companies charge a premium for late journeys.

Buses in West Yorkshire used to have an off-peak cap on single fares, too, being about half of the largest fare at the time.

 

[markymark2000]

Unfortunately, I expect a combination of ongoing uncertainty because of the pandemic and what the post-pandemic economy will look like, plus (rapidly) escalating costs and labour shortages mean that in the short to medium term at least battening down the hatches and an even more risk averse outlook will prevail.

Fully agree and it's a shame too since there was looking to be a good 2020 with the many things lined up by a number of operators for faster buses and new routes but COVID put a stop to them all.

 

[Scotrail314209]

That's not true everywhere. My local buses have a more expensive day ticket before 0930 (although for part of their journey ENTCS passes are valid from 0900). They're currently £1 fixed fare after 1900.
Some companies charge a premium for late journeys.

Buses in West Yorkshire used to have an off-peak cap on single fares, too, being about half of the largest fare at the time.

The only buses that are really more expensive up here anyway are the night services. I think it's £1 or £2 more.