Sussex wrote:
I think an annual rise in fares is a good way to do things.
But the trade needs to educate the press, or maybe tell the editors that if they run negative press stories over reasonable fare rises, then the trade doesn't spend a bean on advertising in their rags.
The reason for the annual rise is down to the fact that if we don't, then we end up with crazy % increases all in one go.
I sort of understand the reasoning over the no increase whilst in recession point, but I'm not convinced that folks will stop using us if a £5 fare suddenly becomes a £5.20 fare.
Perception sells and perception buys and that's the truth of the matter. If the press butcher us every time there is a tariff increase any benefit is lost.
I believe a tariff increase should be worked out on a formulaic basis. Which is not only retrospective but predictive and phased in over a set period? It's the only way I can see to prevent the backlash of the public taking their custom elsewhere.
By all means, an 8% rise is not asking too much but in one tariff review, with the affect instantly recognisable to the travelling public.
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