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Paul Corfield · September 16th 04, 08:32 AM posted to uk.transport.london

On 15 Sep 2004 22:15:27 GMT, are (Acrosticus) wrote:

From: Dave Arquati
Date: 15/09/2004 23:05 GMT

Meanwhile, National Express have launched their "NXL Shuttle" service
between Victoria, Golders Green and Birmingham. The advertising is based
on the fact that Silverlink are withdrawing their cheap train service,
and emphasises that the maximum fare is £20.50 rtn.

And both National Express Coaches and Silverlink are owned by the same holding
company, National Express Group! So perhaps the advertising's an interesting
example of segmentation, as writers like Kotler would call it. Kick people
after a cheap deal off your trains but put a bus on instead to keep some of the
revenue *in the family".

Well I've pondered the adverts and felt it was a bit cheeky of NatX to
launch this campaign. However the decision to curtail Silverlink's
service at Northampton is a SRA one so in one sense you can't blame NatX
from seeking to exploit what they obviously consider a gap in the
market. Virgin are not exactly known for having cheap fares available on
all journeys and they will effectively have a monopoly unless people are
prepared to change trains with all of the inconvenience that can entail
if the timetable is poorly designed.
--
Paul C

Admits to working for London Underground!