In mid-July, the National Democrats Government introduced plans to nationalise both Transport for London-licensed bus companies: Arriva London Ltd. and FirstGroup plc.
These plans were introduced alongside their proposals for a “Transport New Deal”, a scheme which intended to “increase speeds for transportation” and “improve on its prioritisation”.
Support for the plans has been mixed, and debate is now growing over the intentions of His Majesty’s Government, and how they would successfully nationalise the two operators.
Arriva London’s board has spoken out against the nationalisations, with Chairman d_4ann saying that the Government is attempting to “take away everything [they] have built and worked for”.
The Chairman proposed an alternative solution to the Government’s plans, insisting that they should work with industry leaders to “ensure the sector continues to thrive under private ownership”.
The Deputy Chairman has also since released a public letter addressed to the Prime Minister, raising concerns over the plans and answering for “clear answers” over questions of “clear concern”.
Sir Callum Cathcart has also publicly opposed the Government’s plans, calling for the immediate resignations of the Deputy Prime Minister and the Chancellor of the Exchequer, citing their “failure to properly consult bus companies” and “causing damaged business confidence”.
However, the growing debate has also been met by waves of support, predominantly by former prime minister Dean R. Heathcote, who said he was “pleased” and described the plans as a “significant and welcome step towards improving public transport provision”.
Ultimately, while the future of the bus companies remains uncertain, the Prime Minister has reaffirmed his intentions to pursue the plan, reminding members of the public that it was a King’s Speech pledge.