LM Chief Exec blames everyone else

Telegrammed by Golden Connection
Exciting news from the latest splendid edition of New Transit magazine.

In an insightful piece Permatan Rail supremo, Keith Ludeman, reflects on London Midland's Sunday and Rest Day working problems:

"What I find disappointing is it was not sorted out by the time we took the business over. In Southern and Southeastern we dealt with the issue of Sunday working and rest day working years ago, and I don’t know why [previous franchise holder] National Express did not.

"It beggars belief but there you go."

Indeed it does Keith, indeed it does.

But what's this?

Wasn't it London Midland that did a deal which meant all new guards no longer had to work Sundays?

And didn't London Midland also rescinded the long standing arrangements whereby drivers could also work as guards?

And wasn't it London Midland that offered crews double time to work Sundays, then removed the bung and had to promptly reinstate it as Sunday working evaporated?

Nor was Central Trains or Silverlink ever issued with a Remedial Improvement Notice as happened to London Midland only today.

Keith finishes off his puff piece with the self evident truth that "Chief Executives make or break... groups".

Indeed they do Keith. As Richard "call me a villain forevermore" Bowker learnt to his cost.