Time for a Spar on wheels?

This article examines a group of small independent bus operators, Status, in the UK, run in a similar way to the convenience store group Spar. Its membership is small but it still delivers cost savings to members in terms of bulk buying of tyres, insurance and new vehicles. Manufacturers prefer to deal with large companies and a central purchasing organisation for small companies would have more influence in vehicle design: needs of small rural operators differ from those of large urban companies. Another major cost area in bus operation is fuel which could be cheaper if bought in sufficient quantity. Administration costs could also be reduced. Collective lobbying to sell the services of smaller operators to local and national decision-makers is another application for an umbrella organisation, as the current trade association is not seen as providing sufficient support.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/00076392
• Authors:
  • CLARK, R
• Publication Date: 2005-11

Language

• English

Media Info

• Pagination: 26-7
• Serial:
  • BUSES
  • Publisher: Ian Allan Publishing, Limited
  • ISSN: 0007-6392

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Administration; Buses; Costs; Economics; Organizations; Public transit
• Uncontrolled Terms: Efficiency
• ITRD Terms: 155: Administration; 1272: Bus; 224: Cost; 255: Economics; 5911: Efficiency; 9057: Organization (association); 744: Public transport
• Subject Areas: Administration and Management; Economics; Finance; Planning and Forecasting; Public Transportation; I10: Economics and Administration; I72: Traffic and Transport Planning;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01032641
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transport Research Laboratory
• Files: ITRD
• Created Date: Sep 6 2006 2:02PM