10 Years ago I had a good bus service and the cost was about right then the rot set in. The bus fare went up and up and up, then another company took over and then another and another until what we got to day. And what I got is a total crap service, they can not run on time if they tried and if you complain they kick you off the bus and tell you to write a letter to the company which I have done.

The response was we're look in to it which they never will or should I say never did in the first place. Getting a cab around here is like playing a lone shark back his interest. Train service is poor and the cost is out of this world.

Labour keeps banging on about pouring money in to public transport but there is no evidence around here. This country is finished and who ever is in power knows it, Inflation around the 5% mark and yet I got bills 10% higher and why? Because the Government & the Bank of England are lying to us about the real situation.

Thats why you tax driving... Dun dun dun problem solved.. People will demand more bus travel..

Leave then..

Good points. We support trucks as well by using intermodal freight. And I share your dislike of Amtrak, they make our trains later because we have to get out of their way.
I'm actually kind of sad to see long-haul trucking suffering because it means we can charge ridiculous fees and provide totally inadequate service. I had one guy tell me "you guys are worse than the government" just a few weeks ago. His steel mill had to shut down for two days because we didn't bring his steel on time. Then we charged him for "yard storage" of his cars. Does that seem right to you?
We're an industry that is in desperate need of some competition, but I work there anyways because it pays well.

Love too along with the other 64% of the population who want out if we had the money to get out.

Then in the meantime I suggest rooting for advances in technology that will make life easier for you poor brits.. Like EEstor

You're welcome to come to America! It will be at least another decade or so before we're just like England.

:lol: The NTSC HATES it when you don't...
Well, don't be too sad. It's true, fuel costs have caused some problems for the Trucking Industry. The Owner/Operators (OOs) have had to tighten the belt I think as a group. But, many OOs I know are doin' fine and it's for two simple reasons. The guys who can't operate efficiently are going bust, more freight for those who adapt. Secondly, the "price per mile" paid by shippers has increased a bit. This is forcing more scrutiny and less waste. So, in a strange way, everyone (accept those who can't adapt) should benefit by having a more streamlined and efficient system.
As far as charging extra fees, well, it's all part of gaining more efficiency IMO. When I was solo driving, a consignee or shipper had 4 hours to get me on the dock or my company started charging for the delay. Amazing how some customers sorted out their "have the goods on the dock when the truck get here" problems...
There's only "X number of trucks or RR cars", gotta keep them moving to make $$$...

Competition will come IF the current state of affairs continues. The days of cheap conventional fuel are over so we should see some real capitalism at work. The one's that can adapt and be efficient will survive... BTW, nothing wrong with making a good living in my book!