Message From Vernon Barker, Managing Director

Hi everyone, I wanted to thank all our customers for their patience and support whilst we dealt with strike action by our drivers and the disruption this caused to some journeys yesterday.

We know that it wasn't ideal and we are sorry that the actions of ASLEF members meant that our customers were affected. Hopefully we kept as many of you as possible moving. I know that there has been lots of questions and comments. Please keep them coming and we will try and answer as many as possible.

I am really disappointed that industrial action is again planned for Friday 26th August. We have offered our driver colleagues a deal that we believe is fair, reasonable and in line with the industry.

Contrary to claims made in the press, FTPE has never closed the door on negotiations - the unions not the company have the ability to suspend strikes and not disrupt your journeys. We asked on four separate occasions for them to suspend the action so that we could talk further. This was refused four times.

FTPE have contacted ASLEF again today to recommend further discussions and again request that strike action doesn't impact on your journeys.

Once again I want to offer my personal apologies - and assure you we will work to find a solution and not disrupt you further.

Yours,

Vernon Barker