Stagecoach likely to take over NXEA and C2C

[Andyhsufc]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8236388.stm

Looks likely that Stagecoach will be the new operator of both of the Southend lines. Does anyone know if they currently run any other rail franchises and what their reputation is like? And will people be disappointed to see the back of National Express?

 

[Holy Joe]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8236388.stm

Looks likely that Stagecoach will be the new operator of both of the Southend lines. Does anyone know if they currently run any other rail franchises and what their reputation is like? And will people be disappointed to see the back of National Express?

I sense another multi million pound investment in improving the customer experience, e.g., new staff uniforms and painting the trains a different colour.

 

[MK Shrimper]

I sense another multi million pound investment in improving the customer experience, e.g., new staff uniforms and painting the trains a different colour.

Yep, spot on. The front line staff will remain the same due to TUPE.

 

[Pubey]

Stagecoach run East Midland Trains, which I use a lot from Sheffield... they're not great, not bad... decent rolling fleet and customer service is usually ok. Fairly reliable however don't mind cramming you in like sardines. Ticket prices are generally extortionate, however they always are if you're travelling north to south.

Stagecoach also run Sheffield's Tram service, which is superb (but apparently making a loss)

 

[Andyhsufc]

It also appears that they own 49% of Virgin Trains which are pretty good I believe.

 

[Pubey]

It also appears that they own 49% of Virgin Trains which are pretty good I believe.

I prefer EMT over Virgin, which i also use a lot. Virgins trains may look snazzy but they're pretty uncomfortable and the reservation system always breaks, 1st class is better on virgin though. A lot of it comes down to personal preference, and with the c2c like it's a case of 'it ain't broke so doesn't need fixing'.