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Ernie · 24-01-2006, 20:08

If anyone remembers Accrington's public transport system before 1986 when deregulation came into being, there was a very efficient transport system running from 5.30am till 11.30pm 6 days a week, Sundays started a little later but still ran till 11.30pm, 365 days a year, yes even Christmas Day had a bus service, , All the schools and factories were covered and on Saturday there was a 6 minute service between Accrington and Clayton le Moors. Everyone lost out due to Mrs Thatchers deregulation of public transport act 1985, the public lost a bus service which was reduced to a profit making ratrace with buses racing each other on main roads in order to pick up the most passengers and drivers, mechanics, and cleaners were forced to take pay cuts in order to keep their jobs. What we are seeing now 20 years on is the result of legislation made by the government of the day. I see nothing is really different it has just got worse, and I dont think the present government will make things any better, public transport in this country will be a thing of the past if something is not done to persuade the powers that be that you cannot provide a service and make a profit at the same time.

24-01-2006, 20:08	#46
Ernie Resting In Peace Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Bury, Lancashire, UK. Posts: 314 Liked: 2 times Rep Power: 47	Re: Accrington Pilkingtons Buses If anyone remembers Accrington's public transport system before 1986 when deregulation came into being, there was a very efficient transport system running from 5.30am till 11.30pm 6 days a week, Sundays started a little later but still ran till 11.30pm, 365 days a year, yes even Christmas Day had a bus service, , All the schools and factories were covered and on Saturday there was a 6 minute service between Accrington and Clayton le Moors. Everyone lost out due to Mrs Thatchers deregulation of public transport act 1985, the public lost a bus service which was reduced to a profit making ratrace with buses racing each other on main roads in order to pick up the most passengers and drivers, mechanics, and cleaners were forced to take pay cuts in order to keep their jobs. What we are seeing now 20 years on is the result of legislation made by the government of the day. I see nothing is really different it has just got worse, and I dont think the present government will make things any better, public transport in this country will be a thing of the past if something is not done to persuade the powers that be that you cannot provide a service and make a profit at the same time.