Transdev CEO Alex Hornby Explains Red Express Bus Stop – Episode 158

The press release on the 29th of November looked like good news, a title of “We’re improving Irwell Line from 26 January” however it soon became clear this was anything but for Ramsbottom.

Within this came the announced death of the Red Express/x41 service due to happen at the end of January.

To get a better understanding about why these changes were happening and if there was anything that could make Transdev reconsider, I contacted Alex Hornby, CEO of Transdev Blazefield for an interview and Alex was more than happy to come on the podcast.

One key area of discussion was the cost of the service. The article mentioned above details Transdev are losing £300,000 a year running the Red Express and Alex was keen to highlight this didn’t come lightly:

“We’re not a public body, we can’t share our secrets with everyone. We wouldn’t be withdrawing the service if it did work, it’s not in our interest to do that.” – Alex Hornby

Many people in Ramsbottom rely on this bus service not only for commuting but for leisure activities to and from Manchester City Centre. In addition, this service brings in people from outside the town, allowing them to sample our ample nightlife and restaurants.

Ramsbottom residents are fully aware of this, which is why this petition was created:

Save the X41 Bus Service Petition

I speak about this in the interview with Alex to try to understand if the backing of this would make any difference on their decision.

Parent company Transdev have three company values on their website, these are: “Fighting against global warming, committing to regional development, mobilizing employees. It’s not clear which of these the removal of the Red Express falls under.

14:25 – Ramsbottom United News: ⚽

Bet Victor North West League Table
Ramsbottom United Club Info
Ramsbottom United Match Centre

The next match for Ramsbottom is against Tadcaster Albion away, I don’t have a result for this due to recording the podcast a little earlier and as there was no match on the Tuesday I have no results for you either.

15:55 – Upcoming Events: 🗓️

If you want to check out what events are coming up in and around Ramsbottom take a look at the events page, here are some upcoming events from that list:

https://www.thisisrammy.co.uk/event/ramsbottom-civic-halls-christmas-craft-fair/

https://www.thisisrammy.co.uk/event/ramsbottom-christmas-get-together/

https://www.thisisrammy.co.uk/event/ramsbottom-late-night-christmas-shopping/

https://www.thisisrammy.co.uk/event/friday-night-bite-december-2019/

Check out the full events calendar for many upcoming Ramsbottom events, but here are some other great sources too:

Bury Times Ramsbottom Events Page
East Lancs Railway Facebook events page
Your Local Bury events page.
Tower FM Events Calendar
The Bury Directory Events

If YOU have an event you would like to be included in a future podcast episode, get in touch.

Great to have you all onboard, feel free to get in touch any time.

If you’re not yet following the social channels for This is Rammy, take a look and maybe you’ll hear your name mentioned next week.

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