On Mon, 7 Feb 2005, Aidan Stanger wrote:

Neil Williams wrote:

wrote:

The GLA Act says that TfL's duty is to "provide or procure" bus
services.

So, why don't they just take the whole lot in house? Surely that
would be cheaper, even if some new depots did have to be built, as
it'd remove the profit layer.

Well no, it wouldn't. Private enterprise is (in general, with many
exceptions) faster to innovate. By giving them the opportunity to run
London bus routes under contract, TfL can benefit from their innovation.

True. So, what innovations has private enterprise introduced to London's
buses?

Another point to keep in mind is that not all the winning bidders do
have a profit layer - non profit organizations are also eligible.

Also true. Which non-profit organisations operate bus franchises in
London, then?

tom

--
Science which is distinguishable from magic is insufficiently advanced