Without an agreement with Stagecoach on fares and network the plans announced by the Greater Cambridge City Deal are bound to fail as drivers are expected to get out of their cars and use the most expensive and poorly run bus service in the country.

When Tower Transit bought out Whippet great hopes were expected of it injecting some competition for the complacent multi-national company, but as they say on their new bus service they have turned out to be not a Whippet but a Puppy daring not to cross Stagecoach.

What incentive is there for Stagecoach to improve?  Will they be banned from using the bus priority measures if they don’t shape up?  I doubt it.  They have all the cards in this plan and are looking to make even more money for their shareholders while the city of Cambridge stagnates.

How will they react to the plan – put up their fares again maybe?