tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8150854159364820604.post2852911433400897772..comments2023-05-10T16:38:37.925+01:00Comments on Stockwood Pete: Why Smart Cards aren't so smart for First BusPete Goodwinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07115478143080295370noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8150854159364820604.post-83221504956551340472011-01-21T00:01:23.687+00:002011-01-21T00:01:23.687+00:00Thanks for the comment, KB.
My understanding is t...Thanks for the comment, KB.<br /><br />My understanding is that First are coming very late to the ball - unlike the other big bus combines, which have seen the advantages that smart cards will bring, and are now well ahead. It has to do with different management styles and expectations; First are much more cautious and risk-averse. <br /><br />My own take on it, given the situation in Bristol, is that First have an excellent product in the First Day ticket, they have the near-monopoly market share that allows it to succeed, so why risk both by co-operating with other companies in a smart card scheme that would elevate other companies to equal partnership?<br /><br />Whatever their reason for hanging back, they must think it outweighs the advantages they'd gain with smart cards. The dwell time (that's boarding, ticket purchase, and dismounting)at stops can be as much as 25% of journey time even in congested Bristol, so speeding up the process and freeing the driver from dealing with cash could make the bus far more productive. Yet First remain unco-operative - hence my speculation about their reasons.<br /><br />I can't believe a plea that they've got a lot of buses, so it would cost a lot. The costs would be per bus, same as for every operator, and would bring benefits per bus. Would bring in more passengers too.Stockwood Petehttp://stockwoodpete.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8150854159364820604.post-34069161496099177912011-01-20T10:54:55.132+00:002011-01-20T10:54:55.132+00:00Stockwood Pete, I think your comments are a little...Stockwood Pete, I think your comments are a little unfair and show a lack of understanding about how the process of getting smartcards in Bristol actually works. The smaller operators - who have the kit already - have had the kit bought for them by the Council. The same is not true for the larger operator First. Now there is an arguement that a bigger company perhaps needs less help, but the costs involved in changing all the ticket machines (which already work well) is huge and must be planned in over time. Needless to say, First does want Smartcard Technology and it is working with South West Smart Applications Ltd (a mutual not-for-profit company established by bus companies and local authorities in the region) to help speed the process.KBnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8150854159364820604.post-9745655755473954002010-12-31T10:34:05.692+00:002010-12-31T10:34:05.692+00:00The award winning London Travel Card has been del...The award winning <a href="%E2%80%9Dwww.londontravel-card.co.uk%E2%80%9D" rel="nofollow">London Travel Card</a> has been delighting London visitors for over 10 years. It’s simply the best way to see all that London has to offer while saving both money and time!London Travel Cardhttp://www.londontravel-card.co.uknoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8150854159364820604.post-43717973868113101992010-11-09T10:22:26.706+00:002010-11-09T10:22:26.706+00:00Cheers for the mention!Cheers for the mention!turningbristolrednoreply@blogger.com