Central Buses’ Xpre55 comes under threat from Arriva Midlands

Birmingham-based Central Buses has sent an open letter to customers, as it ramps up competition with Arriva Midlands on its Tamworth-Lichfield route..

Since the launch of Central Buses’ premium xpre55 route, Arriva has cut fares on its Tamworth-Lichfield route and is to launch its own similar express route later this month.

In the letter, Central’s MD Geoff Cross stresses that “competition is important,” and says: “I just want to make sure all of our customers are put in the picture and understand what is going on.”

He personally commits to several pledges:

• Freezing xpre55 prices until at least 2016
• Offering a loyalty scheme whereby for every seven journeys, the eighth is free – applicable to all other Central tickets too
• Continuing a ‘Thank Crunchie it’s Friday’ promotion, with free chocolate bars handed out on Fridays.