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Questioning bus driver’s criticisms

IT WAS interesting to read a list of one bus driver's questions about passengers' attitudes (News Shopper, April 23).

I am a passenger and have been using the bus services in south east London for many years.

In recent months I have noticed bus drivers think they are driving a private bus rather than for the public.

They forget the fact it is the passenger who is paying their wages and bus operation costs. Drivers do not pay a single penny.

So let me ask some questions about their attitude and behaviour:

  • Why do you shut the entry doors when a running passenger has just arrived near the door? What is wrong with picking up the passenger when the bus is not full?

  • Why don't you stop at the bus stop when there are no other buses already occupying other spaces? Why do you stop near the trash bin or next to the side of the bus stop, which obstructs passengers trying to get on the bus?

  • Why do buses not stop at bus stops when no-one signals? It is a driver's duty to stop at every bus stop where they see people standing.

  • Why do you allow people to get onto the bus from exit doors? Why do you allow some people to get off from the front doors?

  • Why do you allow people to stand on the stairs and on the upper deck? Why do you let passengers on when you know the bus is full?

  • Why do you apply your brakes sharply and seemingly unnecessarily, jolting passengers on the bus?

  • Last, but not least, why don't you learn to speak politely to passengers?

    I would like to see a passenger satisfaction survey undertaken about drivers' attitudes.

    NAME AND ADDRESS SUPPLIED

    10:17am Wednesday 7th May 2008

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    Posted by: mt on 8:04am Thu 8 May 08
    why dont you identify yourself ?
    brake sharply cos stupid people run out in front of them or car drivers brake..would you rather they went into the back of someone or run them over ?
    its the passengers that want to stand not the driver.
    if its not a request stop they dont have to stop.
    people alighting/getting through exit/entry doors prob cos the bus if full of mums who wont collapse the 30,000 buggys cos little courtney cant be made to stand.
    as for speaking politley i bet you your not polite to everyone you see specially after driving for all that time. I am not a bus driver nor would i be for all the tea in china. they do a grand job - why dont you try it for a week..see how you get on ? x
    Posted by: Pauline Gosling, New Eltham on 9:27am Fri 9 May 08
    I will not go into the practicalities of all your comments, particularly the fact that running times are just too short to cope with traffic nowadays and also the fact that members of the public seem to think it their right to be abusive to bus drivers - all I would say to you is "I challenge you to be a bus driver for just one day". This will answer all of your questions!!!
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