French Transport Revolution: Is their Spending Extravagant or Necessary?
The arrival of French transport groups, Keolis, Veolia and Transdev, in the UK over the past decade has brought with it its fair share of legendary Gallic shrugs. The two countries may only be separated by 20 miles of English Channel, but the environment French transport professionals are used to in their homeland and the systems they have encountered in this country can often seem as though they are from a different planet. In the UK, promoting... continue
Arriva to cross Channel?
If any of the British passenger transport groups is to break into the French market the smart money is on Arriva. The Sunderland-based group has... continue
How urban and regional public transport is funded in france
French towns and cities are responsible for funding public transport from local taxes and fares revenue, with minimal state contribution. Funding for... continue
Competition for SNCF?
While the French urban transport market has been gradually opening to competition, the French regional rail market is entirely closed. Under French... continue
French Connections: Interview Jean-Pierre Farandou
The current merger discussions between Arriva and French operator Keolis appear certain to kick off a new wave of consolidation in the European passenger transport industry. Whether or not the Arriva/Keolis deal eventually goes ahead, French groups are being actively encouraged to increase their presence on the world stage by their government as restrictions on competition are lifted. The ripples are being felt throughout the European transport... continue
Is it the end of the line for Govia?
It is now 13 years since the Govia joint venture between England’s Go Ahead Group (65%) and Keolis (35%) started operating trains in the UK.... continue
Renovated Dijon is model for french stations
SNCF’s multi-modal station concept is illustrated by the renovation of Dijon station which had been rebuilt as a model of integrated transport.... continue
Who are Keolis?
Keolis is one of Europe’s largest passenger transport groups, with over 200 subsidiaries, annual turnover of 4bn Euros.
Established in nine... continue
Steve Whiteway: In the saddle
Andrew Garnett
It’s a busy time at Surrey bus and coach operator Epsom Coaches, with work on a £2m project to rebuild its head office and depot facilities now almost reaching its conclusion. Commercial director Steve Whiteway admits to taking a hands-on approach to the work. While other senior managers would be happy to let architects and builders get on with such a major project, Whiteway has a more unique approach. “I’ve been planning... continue
Steve Whiteway’s CV
1980 Coach Driver
Epsom Coaches
After a decade as a carpenter and joiner, Whiteway fulfills an ambition to become a coach driver.
1986... continue
