me me

I am nowhere near CE, but I understand that if a service is needed/wanted and it is feasible for someone to make a profit out of the business, then why not.

There will always be some sort of objection, either from the people worried about competition, they people who don´t want increased noise/traffic etc and the NIMBYS.

Go and meet with the mayor, he will have a more relevant opinion as to how your venture might pan out.

Do your homework, after all if your scheme gets off the ground and works it can be good for everyone, the local population and your own finances.

I wish you luck with your project, there will be hurdles in the papeleo, it seems that some want to keep the status quo, and remain cut off, but at the same time moan about lack of transport or whatever. If you see a niche and an opportunity it can only be good.

At these times when it is even harder to earn a living, more thinking outside the box is needed not the usual "open a bar", all the best and I hope the meeting with the mayor goes well.

Frank Bourne

Thanks me me Its good to see there are more positive people than negative.

Frank Bourne

Phil we should be working together not against each other. The more people that come to Costa Esuri the better it is for everyone here. We all need people to invest here and the more investors here the more work for you too. We should all be trying to make it a better place to live.

Philwren

I never said I was against you Frank, I was just asking you to answer esuriboys question but you seem reluctant to answer! I have lived on Esuri for 5 years and have owned here since the beginning and I know what its like to have no bus service, I do find it strange that you advertised before you got the go ahead.... That was your mistake and that is why you have come up against opposition.....

MikeJ

Frank
I think you should take some of the "difficulty stating" comments from some contributors as "words to the wise" from people who have experience of local matters rather than negativity over the provision of a bus service. I think that most people who live or visit CE would welcome a bus service and it would certainly be an attraction for potential renters who might not wish to hire a car for their whole visit.
Personally I'm all in favour of your initiative and wish you well and would certainly use the service when I'm in residence. I also think you should get the Spanish community on side too.
Philwren
Perhaps you should state your position before asking pointed questions? Perhaps Frank was using the advertisement as a means of market research to underwrite his business case - a very sensible activity. You and Frank might consider getting together to develop a combined taxi/bus business?

Frank Bourne

Mike J you at last have hit the nail on the head and seen exactly what my plans were. I have now found out who Phil is and I have always said that I wanted to work together with the local taxi. I have no objections at all to us getting together to talk and making a plan for a complete transportation system for Costa Esuri,

MikeCol

Well said Mike, regards Bryony

Jon-Bxl

Agreed:

Frank I'd like to salute you in your efforts to improve things on CE with your plans for a bus service on CE. As I would any new initiative. We NEED these initiatives.

As we discussed the other evening, you will have a lot of hurdles and resistance. Some that we can predict - others (sadly) waiting in the wings. Also people are burned here for all sorts of reasons.. and you may feel frustrated at some of the apparent negativity.

However I am sure that the majority of residents would be delighted to have this service. It is amazing to me that the Mayor hasn't included one already for CE. He or his direct report run the EUC, and we pay more than any Ayamonte resident in e.g higher IBI taxes and an additional EUC tax. Hopefully he will give you a good hearing - especially as you are improving resident services at no cost to him.

Even in 'less civilised' countries, communities a fraction of our size - have public transport! Isn't it great that someone is trying to provide private transport to fill this space, here in Spain!!

I think many people are like us. We have cars and drive into town regularly to shop etc. We take taxis when we want to socialise for the most part - with OTHERS. Based on the draft pricing we discussed 2 couples would take the taxi, which is cheaper, a point to point service timed at our preference, i.e in this case not the bus! We are doing exactly that, in fact in 45 mins! In our case there is 3 of us and the taxi is still a better option, than the bus if it was running today

Also we usually come home in the evening AFTER 8pm when the bus no longer runs! Taxi!

Most of the usage of the bus will be for us and many others, IMHO, is when we'd rather not take the car. Maybe to allow a midday drink, or just to have a hassle free run in. With no bus service we wouldn't use a taxi for this... just drive in (and drink coke!). This is nothing to do with wealth, even if we could afford a taxi every time, we would just take the car! Those that cant afford a taxi anyway, would love a bus!

People that don't have a car, won't generally take taxis for runs into town. Perhaps there is one family car that is used for work, whilst the people at home plan shopping etc in evenings weekends when the car is there. A bus gives them an option to get out. That they normally wouldn't pay a taxi for.

I don't think the taxis have much to worry about.

As for the airport runs etc, there is already a huge choice for this, another kid on the block isn't going to beggar people!

I'd like to support the excellent points about getting the Spanish involved.

There are Spanish Police officers living here, even a Spanish judge and this community could canvass the Mayor better than the Brits. Certainly people in public service and Spanish (that simply put) get the system. We Brits haven't had much luck so far to improve things, petitions don't work. I agree we are a soft touch with a 'gold card' as someone mentioned previously. I am sure the Spanish will be delighted with a bus and will have a more effective say...

Without doubt getting them on board with us as well will only improve your case.

Good luck!!

Jon

PS Admirable as it is - I personally don't care about the non-profit status. If you provide a good service at a good price I and MANY people will use it ....... and certainly appreciate it.

laslopeady

Go for it Frank. Ignore all the negative knockers. I have had words with other Esuri owners who would welcome a bus into town to enjoy the culinary delights and a few extra glasses of red once in a while.This site has been plagued since its inception by a handful of negative people with too much time on their hands and no imagination or enterprise.
GOOD LUCK !
Laslopeady

Frank Bourne

Many thanks for your positive replies. Of course this service is also meant for our Spanish friends. Lets not forget that we are in Spain and this is really their area. I must apologies to them all but as I am new here and my Spanish is 0 and I wanted to get this flyer out as quick as possible to check out the demand. I know that it also should of been in Spanish. It was also meant for all other nationalities here. I apologies to you all. I really think that the local taxi co does not need to worry as really it is two different markets. As for the transfer service I think that if Phil and I sit down and talk we can sort something out.

EMR

You have not metioned it but will you have the necessary permits to operate in Portugal ??

Frank Bourne

That will be phase two lets concentrate on getting the bus in Costa Esuri up and running that has the priority at this moment.

Jon-Bxl

Yes its the name of the thread...!!

Lets keep this to the topic of having a bus service to town.

i.e Re: Costa Esuri MiniBus service

I think its clear to everyone that this initiative is going to be legal, Frank is not doing anything under the table: After all: He is discussing it on a public forum and meeting the mayor and his travel associate!!!!!

I know nothing about the bus business and I am sure most don't either .......... (though over a few drinks I will tell you a funny story about one of the country's top bus owners)

As a result of this thread we met Frank, last week on 'Monday club' with a bunch of other 'members'. Frank has done this in at least one country, and is trying to offer a service to us in CE. He hasn't asked anyone to comment on his business plan - and I don't think he needs that. Certainly from people (like me) who have no knowledge of the bus business.

He wants to know if we support this initiative and if we think the service will be used.


YES is my answer. This initiation is the most exciting news we have had in CE for years. I am 100% sure that the majority would love this and this is well supported.

Jon

Frank Bourne

Thank you very much and as I have said before I will do all i can to get it operational.

me me

A lot of problems with Brits starting a new business, is that they are offering a service/concept that nobody wants or needs.


I hope you are on to a winner, at the same time giving people what they want/need.
Go Frankie Go..............