A post on Omnibuses yesterday discussed First Group's only foray into Social Media, a blog, Twitter account and Facebook page for Bath bus station, closing next week due to spending cuts. After we'd stopped laughing at the idea of closing down one of the most cost-effective forms of marketing and customer service during a recession, it got us wondering about use of Social Media amongst Manchester's bus operators. Was there anyone doing it?
It turns out we didn't have long to wait to find out. In the city centre yesterday we noticed that JPT have started painting a Facebook logo by the door of their buses, with text telling passengers to "Become a fan of Jpt Bus Company".
The JPT Facebook page, currently at 112 fans is quite lively for such a small operator. Only a few people (presumably mainly staff) contribute to the Wall, with photos of new vehicles and company related chat going on. What's more, they're operating a "Become a fan of our Facebook Page and receive a Complimentary £10.00 Weekly Ticket valid on ALL JPT Buses" offer.
JPT are certainly approaching Social Media the right way - open, relaxed, conversational. We'd love to see them on Twitter too. They're not the only Greater Manchester operator with a Facebook presence either. An unofficial Bluebird group, run by one of their drivers can be found by searching Facebook for "BlueBird Buses, Middleton". Similarly there's a semi-official "Jim Stones Coaches" group and an unofficial "South Lancs Travel" group, currently sitting at just 6 members. These can all be found by search ing Facebook.
It would be great to see more operators launch a Social Media presence and open an easy channel of communication with their passengers.
[Thanks to Ian Roberts for help compiling this list]
To make it clear, the costcutting is moving customer service staff to Exeter, where obviously a Bath blog won't work from.
Posted by: Bob Smith | June 29, 2009 at 07:50 PM
Looking on the JP Travel Facebook page and they've announced that they're planning to run buses on the 17 route from September 7th, running between Middleton and Manchester with evening journeys extended to Rochdale to connect with the 6/7 service. No details yet on frequencies. They're also going to launch a proper website too (rather than just piggybacking on Facebook)
Looking on VOSA and it seems that JP Travel have got a few more changes planned. Times changed on services 13, 118, 335 and 406. New 17 service, plus registrations for one Saturday journey on the 409 from Oldham to Rochdale, weekday journeys on the 59 from Middleton to Rushcroft and Saturday journeys on the 101 between Manchester and Wythenshawe (possibly to connect with service 268)
Posted by: Shaun | July 16, 2009 at 06:13 PM
Another company has got in on the Facebook act. Rossendale Transport have been promoting their Facebook page on the main website.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Haslingden-United-Kingdom/Easyride/82632493587?ref=ts
Posted by: Shaun | August 03, 2009 at 09:45 PM
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Posted by: Martin Bryant | August 25, 2009 at 09:00 AM