I had an interesting conversation, today with some drivers, and the topic got on to an old operator, who had set up with the best intentions, then bought a coach, which didnt suit the business, and it bankrupted the business. This is a common mistake made by many operators, who do things with the best intentions.
I suppose I sit and listen to these sort of conversations, it fascinates me. I suppose the best way to start is by buying a couple of motors, get enough work for them, and gradually grow from there. Many tend to expand too quickly aswell, say start with a couple of motors and within 6 months they have grown to 5 coaches. Alot of operators tend to chase the same sort of work, such as a big contract with a university. Now I know is some ways the coach industry is contracting, but, there is work out there, its just a case of finding a niche. Yes Schools and contract work is going to be the bread and butter of of most operators, the only problem is when you get an operator, who pays cash in hand wages, does the job for ridiculously low prices, runs old bangers, which should not be on the road in the first place.
The problem is alot of councils are cash strapped, so rather than look for a quality operator, who are reliable, and provide a good service. Nope the cowboys say they will do it alot cheaper, provide poor service with poor vehicles and the council wonders why they get so many complaints.
If you remember a few weeks ago, I touched on the differance between coach drivers and bus drivers. Well talk to an old coach driver about coaches he/she drove over the years, and they will happily tell you all about those vehicles. Even get misty eyed, as if those vehicles were their own. Yes alot of coach drivers do take pride in those coaches they drive, and why not if you are going to spend alot of time with that vehicle.
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