Business Thinking - ‘Let’s be Partners’, says Arriva’s Mike Cooper

‘Let’s be Partners’, says Arriva’s Mike Cooper

In Milton Keynes Arriva has established a formal relationship with the city council, including the operation of a premium ‘Platinum’ service offer.

In Milton Keynes Arriva has established a formal relationship with the city council, including the operation of a premium ‘Platinum’ service offer.

James Dark is a specialist transport writer and commentator. He has interviewed more than 100 senior transport executives over the past decade for New Transit and other publications as well as assisting a wide range of organisations in communications, marketing and project management roles.

James Dark is a specialist transport writer and commentator. He has interviewed more than 100 senior transport executives over the past decade for New Transit and other publications as well as assisting a wide range of organisations in communications, marketing and project management roles.

In early 2010, Arriva announced that it would be implementing a new strategy designed to position its UK bus business as local authorities’ partner of choice. A survey of 21 local authorities had been carried out, and while it showed that Arriva’s operational performance was well regarded, councils felt the company needed to take more account of their strategic aims, and wanted a greater level of engagement.

“I think that what local authorities crave is a discussion with...