or LOGO CONFUSION - 2006 STYLE
Just when you might have thought everything had settled down a bit the powers that be threw another spanner in the works. Exit stage left 'Centro', enter the new star 'Network West Midlands' or even 'network west midlands'.
This is an example of 'Network West Midlands' in print. It comprises of a blue circle with a green one inside it and an outline of a train. Not content with one new logo there is another top right with the same blue circle and the letter 'n' inside of it accompanied by the words 'network west midlands'. There is also the 'Central Trains' logo and a mention of Centro also.
Inside half of a page is devoted to explaining to the bewildered public that 'Network West Midlands' (no longer in italics or lower case) is the new name that connects all public transport in the West Midlands Metropolitan area. Surely this was the same paragraph used in 1990 to explain all about Centro when that was launched in 1990? If Centro is no more than why is it mentioned on the front cover and more worryingly on all of the Centro livery trains? Go on a bit further in the book and you'll find that you can still buy a 'Centrocard'. Still confused - then try the map on the inside rear cover. This shows lines in an area bounded by Shrewsbury, Stafford, Tamworth, Northampton, Leamington Spa, Stratford-upon-Avon, Redditch and Hereford with the helpful (?) note that 'A Penalty Fare scheme operates within the Centro supported area (West Midlands county)' or do they mean 'West Midlands Metropolitan area' or is it the same thing?
Seriously though this initiative is described as 'a partnership between Centro and all of the bus, rail and tram operating companies'. So now you know. See www.networkwestmidlands.com