An independent operator's dilemma

摘要

I read with interest your editorial comments last month regarding the Buses Bill and Delaine's response. As a 20-ish vehicle independent operator, I am faced with a similar dilemma. At present, to retain our operator licence, we are required to maintain £100,600 in readily available funds in order to comply with current legislation. This in our case is provided by an overdraft facility secured on the family home. In the Bristol area where we operate, the forthcoming bus rapid transit (BRT) system will require certain of our services to be upgraded to Euro4 standards as part of the quality contract that includes any services that serve BRT stops.