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Sir Moir Lockhead
Monday, September 15, 2008
Sir Moir Lockhead, Chief Executive of Scottish-based FirstGroup, speaks to SPT Express about some of his company's future plans and the challenges facing the transport industry.
SPT’s slogan is “Joining up Jouneys”. What role do you see for operators like FirstGroup in ensuring public transport modes become better integrated and more ‘joined up’?
FirstGroup is wholly committed to playing its part in delivering an integrated more joined up transport network. We are currently working with SPT and Glasgow City Council on an initiative that will see ‘all operator’ (bus and train) maps being placed in prominent positions across the city of Glasgow to help passengers find their way around by public transport. We are keen to erect signs at strategic city locations to direct passengers to their nearest bus or train link.
Recent statistics show that more people are using buses and trains in Scotland, but there are also more car users than ever. How would you encourage car drivers to switch to public transport?
We conducted a poll recently that found 39% of the British public believe public transport use will increase in the next five to ten years. Certainly we are finding that more people than ever are using our buses and trains – patronage levels on First in Glasgow bus services increased by almost 5% between April-June 2007 and 2008.
We are constantly improving our services in a concerted aim to make them more attractive to motorists. We now offer TVs and ‘infotainment’ on many buses in Glasgow and we continue to offer the highest possible customer service by investing in the reliability of both our bus and rail services in Scotland. In addition, real time information is being made available to our customers to ensure minimum waiting times and many new buses and trains now feature climate control systems that match the passenger experience found in modern cars.
SPT recently introduced a Bus Wardens scheme to ensure operators meet certain standards in Strathclyde. How do less scrupulous operators affect the image of the bus industry?
Not all operators in Strathclyde appear to have been operating on a ‘level playing field’ and, with this in mind, we hope SPT’s Bus Wardens initiative will improve the overall perception of bus travel to deliver an attractive, sustainable public transport system that appeals to a wider public.
Faced with rising fuel costs, what steps are you taking to try and keep public transport affordable for all?
We are doing everything we can to reduce overheads and increase efficiency but, of course, since more than 60% of our costs are directly related to fuel costs and drivers’ wages, there is a limit. We have had to increase fares more than we would like. At the same time we've sought to help key customers with, for example, family offers over the summer holidays.
In Strathclyde we are proud of our record in containing fares and it is interesting to note that bus fares in Glasgow barely increased at all in real terms in the 10 years to the end of 2007.
As a global operator, has FirstGroup learnt anything from the transport industry in other countries that it thinks would work in the UK?
We are the largest provider of student transportation in North America. The yellow school bus model is well established across the Atlantic, and it has been exceptionally successful. We are pleased that the Yellow School Bus Commission, chaired by David Blunkett, just last week recommended to government that the UK should adopt a similar model.
FirstGroup was a major supporter of the Glasgow Commonwealth Games bid. What role would you like to see for public transport in the 2014 Games?
Glasgow, and indeed Scotland, has a wonderful opportunity to demonstrate to the rest of the world what a fantastic country we live in. Ensuring competitors and spectators alike are transported safely and reliably around the various venues is key to the success of the Games.
First was a major supporter of Glasgow’s bid and we hope to be the Games’ official transport partner.
When did you last travel by public transport? How did you travel, and did the journey go to plan?
I frequently travel by public transport, particularly on First services. I like to check everything is running as it should. For example, I travelled to Glasgow from Aberdeen return in late August via First ScotRail. I also used our First Capital Connect services on 27th August to travel to Hornsey near London. In both instances, the services were very comfortable and on time – as I would expect!
With most of Scotland accessible by public transport, what is your favourite Scottish destination, and why?
Inverness. The scenery is spectacular. First hosts the First Monster Challenge, a 120km team relay duathlon (running and cycling) around the shores of Loch Ness every September (www.firstmonster.com) which gives me a good excuse to visit Inverness at least once a year. Although I cannot compete, I do drive one of our buses round the course transporting our competitors to their various transition points!
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