What’s the most infamous coach in the UK? Possibly the large red one used by the Vote Leave campaign before the EU referendum. While the general public can’t recall exactly what the message said, they did pick up on the £350m figure emblazoned on its side, and the reference to funding the NHS.
Whichever side of the debate people are on, it’s an image that has stuck in the public’s consciousness.
Now, we’re 18 months on from the vote, and the exit day is looming. The facts we know are slim and the potential consequences less so. The only definite one is that the pound’s exchange rate altered (maybe because of Brexit, maybe not).
But, who really knows what the long-term consequences will be?
In the aftermath of a decision that will dramatically influence British politics for at least a generation, the focus for operators continues to look for stability in their businesses.
The pricing effects of Sterling are working their way through into new coach prices, which isn’t great news as implementation of the London Ultra-Low Emission Zone draws closer. Let alone similar zones elsewhere
The big ‘if’ is what happens to the economy. Those in the bus industry know how closely linked revenues are to the nation’s financial health. Current prospects don’t look great, and what happens over the Christmas period in terms of High Street footfall could set the mood music for 2018.
