COMMUTER COACH SERVICES

An account is given of the rise during the 1980s of commuter coaches to London from the home counties. The trend started slowly but then mainly established bus operators developed morning and evening services into the capital. Details are given of particular companies including Grey-Green, Berks Bus Bus, Alder Valley, Kings Ferry, Clark's, Armchair and Reading Goldline. The strongest firms are actually based in London where they have middle day work to carry on between business peaks. Problems encountered in operating commuter coaches are described and include long layover times and providing services for people who want to work late or finish early. Commuter clubs exist in some areas in which each member subscribes to a seat for a year. This is generally cheap for the user although travelling times are restricted, the operator however runs the risk of losing the whole club to an underbidding competitor. (TRRL)