I have been following the very interesting case of the Traffic Commissioners versus Catch22Bus, which appears to have more intrigue than the Matrix trilogy! With the latest twist involving the Senior TC’s (STC) alleged driving offences, it does appear that this small seaside bus company was able to reverse the tide of opprobrium that the STC has been dishing out.
But is this just a distraction? The point surely being overlooked is that the most recent hearing has cleared the bus operator of all the allegations made against it by its dominant rival – Blackpool Council, owner of Blackpool Transport.
The Deputy TC glossies over this, but this appears to be the catalyst for the regulatory action, dating as far back as 2012. He certainly hasn't been able to put the lid on the can of worms the regulators opened, now into its fifth year.
If the original complaints against the company have been finally disposed of, does this not leave Blackpool Transport open to a legitimate complaint to the OfT or Competition Appeal Tribunal for exemplary damages?
When these ‘complaints’ to the Traffic Commissioner back in 2012 are considered in the context of the council withholding concessionary fares reimbursement from the operator at the same time, can there be any doubt that Blackpool’s conduct had malicious intent against a competitor?
Remember Cardiff Bus and 2Travel? In the grand scheme of things, the offending video could just be a sideshow in this trilogy.
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