And the winner of worse bus route in sheffield go`s to: First Mainline`s 75/76`s

Nick-Named THE TALIBAN EXPRESS by the bus drivers if you look at the crap that try`s to get on at the Market stop to go to Burngreave Rd / Fir Vale the you can see why!.

The route between the Market & Firth Park must have the most rudest people on the planet

Drivers have commented to me that Illegal bin larden person must have a map of the market stop as that is where they all seem to be.

I do know that the service was Reduced in September due to the MAJOR problems with fraud + attacks on drivers, there has been a new fleet of buses put on the route with CCTV camers fitted on them, one driver said it was so when one of our friends at firvale tryed to get on for a mobilty 35p and has lost the will to speak English ( but seems to regain it when the driver charges IT full fare )
then they can catch the person face on CCTV.

PLEASE FILL FREE TO TELL OF YOUR HORROR BUS ROUTE BUT REMEMBER FIRST MAINLINE ONLY PAY DRIVER £165 P/W SO NO HATE STORY`S ABOUT DRIVERS!

I live at Sheffield Lane Top
I used to catch the 75 or 76 to work when there was the excelent every 5 min combined service, however since they have reduced the service i must agree with the coments above, it has now come to the point where my girlfirend who work`s in Nottingham drops me of at Meadowhall in the car and I come to Sheffield either by train or tram.

I do feel sorry for the bus drivers on the 75&76`s I know they can be gruppy sometimes but look at what they have to put up with, and if they do only get £165-00 i think that First Mainline bosses should be shot!.

Paul Farrell
Sheffield Lane Top

The number 2 circular bus route has a bad reputation for never been on time and if you miss one then you have to wait bloody ages until another one comes along.

I have to agree with what has been wrote about First Mainline`s 75 and 76 route.

Since the service has been cut down (no fault of the drivers) I either catch the train to Sheffield or catch the service 77 to the bus station.

I do like the service 77 as it can get you into Sheffield in about 20-25 mins if there is no Penistone Rd traffic but I just wish they would run every 15 mins.

There are 2 issues that I would like to bring up about the route 75+76.

I live at High Greave which is between Ecclesfield and Sheffield Lane Top.
I have to agree on the views that have been wrote about the service since it has been cut-back, I now tend to walk about 1/2 mile to Ecclesfield Village to catch services 53,31,85 or 86 which ever one comes first.

I have also been told by a driver that if we go to war then the 75+76`s are going to be diverted via Shirecliffe and not go between Firth Park and the Markets, if this does happen I can see the 75+76 route become very very poplar.

Originally posted by "Anonymous"


And the winner of worse bus route in sheffield go`s to:
First Mainline`s 75/76`s

Nick-Named THE TALIBAN EXPRESS by the bus drivers if you look at the crap that try`s to get on at the Market stop
to go to Burngreave Rd / Fir Vale the you can see why!.

The route between the Market & Firth Park must have the most rudest people on the planet

Drivers have commented to me that Illegal bin larden person must have a map of the market stop as that is where they all seem to be.

I do know that the service was Reduced in September due to the MAJOR problems with fraud + attacks on drivers, there has been a new fleet of buses put on the route with CCTV camers fitted on them, one driver said it was so when one of our friends at firvale tryed to get on for a mobilty 35p and has lost the will to speak English ( but seems to regain it when the driver charges IT full fare )
then they can catch the person face on CCTV.

PLEASE FILL FREE TO TELL OF YOUR HORROR BUS ROUTE BUT REMEMBER FIRST MAINLINE ONLY PAY DRIVER £165 P/W SO NO HATE STORY`S ABOUT DRIVERS!

Racist eejit.

i get on at woodseats and of at crucible and that parts not bad

Originally posted by "Anonymous"


And the winner of worse bus route in sheffield go`s to:
First Mainline`s 75/76`s

Nick-Named THE TALIBAN EXPRESS by the bus drivers if you look at the crap that try`s to get on at the Market stop
to go to Burngreave Rd / Fir Vale the you can see why!.

The route between the Market & Firth Park must have the most rudest people on the planet

Drivers have commented to me that Illegal bin larden person must have a map of the market stop as that is where they all seem to be.

I do know that the service was Reduced in September due to the MAJOR problems with fraud + attacks on drivers, there has been a new fleet of buses put on the route with CCTV camers fitted on them, one driver said it was so when one of our friends at firvale tryed to get on for a mobilty 35p and has lost the will to speak English ( but seems to regain it when the driver charges IT full fare )
then they can catch the person face on CCTV.

PLEASE FILL FREE TO TELL OF YOUR HORROR BUS ROUTE BUT REMEMBER FIRST MAINLINE ONLY PAY DRIVER £165 P/W SO NO HATE STORY`S ABOUT DRIVERS!

Wow. Not laughed so much since three of my family died in a year. Can't I complain about racist bus drivers then? Sorry, they're only on £165 a week...

I catch either the 75 or 76 from Woodseats to the Northern Gen to work on a Monday-Friday,
I have to say that the coments about the problems between the Market stop and Fir vale are TRUE!
I have never in my life heard such rude people and if Mr or Mrs Anonymous is reading this then i think he or she should learn to say please or thank you.
I know the drivers can be a bunch of a***holes sometimes but you will find that if you use you manners that can be realy nice people.

I used to catch the 76 Bus from Woodseats to Chapletown.
As for the comments that have already been put up the problems of cut-backs and the problems between the Markets/Wicker and other areas I have to agree with them, however this does not bother me now as I drive to/from work.

SInce moving to Sheffield I have travelled on a total of 4 buses.

Basically cos if it ain't on a tram route I don't go there. There is nothing more annoying that tryin got manouver three kids and a large pushchair and pay for their fairs whilst gormless passengers look on.

The trams are great for getting them all on no messing - however we do have idiots pushchair high jackers who think because they have a pram they have a devine right to the WHOLE tram.

So - I canne comment on the bus route thingy.

As for racist comments - lets see - if there happens to be a large amount of young people in an area and then there is a rise in crime are we not allowed to comment???? Or is it just the fact they are of a particular race that is getting your backs up???

Heavens forbid we actually let our voices be heard *gasp* how policitcally incorrect would that be. GET OVER IT! Preach to me about intolerance if you dare!

Moon Maiden

My boyfriend used to work for First Mainline on the route 75 and 76.

After Mr Tax Man had finished he came home with
£157-00 for a 40-44 hour week

He left the job after only 6 weeks due to the low wages
(Lowest bus drivers pay in uk) and due to the comment that have already been said about the area from the Markets to Firvale/FirthPark.

I shall just call myself Mr Bus Driver.
I work for First Group and have done for 6 years now.
I would like to start putting forward a bus driver view of things.
At Sheffield we are the second lowest paid drivers in the whole of the UK, we spend anything up to 4-5hr behind the bus wheel, we then have a 45-1hr break and then we spend another 4-5hrs behind the wheel and YES it is just for about £165-170 p/w
We also DO NOT get a weekend rate or overtime rate, so if we do work over we get the same pay as basic
which i hope you will agree is s**t.
Bus drivers shifts variry
the early mornings start between 345am-415am
and if you are on late afternoon`s you will be back in the depot between 12am-1am
I sometimes do the route 75/76 and I have to agree that there is a problem in the areas that have been listed, the main problem is that there are no signs at the Market bus stop telling people that the 75/76`s have been reduced and that the 22,47,48,97or97a are better for people to catch if you are travelling towards Firth Park, I have heard a rumer that the 75/76 bus stop at the markets are going to be moved to the bottom of Snig Hill?.
I try and get on with all of my passengers but there are sometimes when even I blow my top, I have to use a example here which is from the 75/76 route at the Markets stop, Why is it that some people who catch public transport get to the driver and then start looking for
the money?
As for the comment that have been made I have to agree that the 75/76`s are the worse bus route in Sheffield but if there was the excelent 5 mins service like there used to be then I think that more people would travel on this route.
I also have heard about them diverting the 75/76`s if there is a War, from what i have been told they are to run ( To City ) as normal to S.L.T then via Herries Drive-Shirecliffe Road-Rutland Road and West Bar BOTH WAYS
As for the the problems in the Markets to Sheffield Lane Top ( Netto ) like what has already been put
IT COST`S NOTHING TO SAY PLEASE AND THANK YOU..
Best Wishes
A Poor Bus Driver.

Originally posted by "Anonymous"

IT COST`S NOTHING TO SAY PLEASE AND THANK YOU..
Best Wishes
A Poor Bus Driver.

Unlike some who post here, I think it can prove quite costly to tar an entirely non-homogenous group (they're not all "Pakis", idiots) with the same brush, just because they're non-white. They are comprised of Kurds, Somalis, Indians, Afghans, Poles, and a whole host of other ethnicities.

I've seen just how wound up the Sheffield locals can get when you say, "Well, all northerners are thick, tight, anal alcoholics". Don't make the same mistake in referring to a far more diverse group as a bad lot.

PS Moon maiden - a "large number" of young people in an area, and a "rise in crime"? I'm assuming you have some stats to back this up, because I know that the police don't agree with you. Having spent a lot of time at the magistrates' court and crown court recently, I can confirm that the vast majority of those up on the kind of charges (I'm assuming) you refer to are white, cap-wearing locals. I don't accuse you of being politically incorrect (that's a concept I've never had much faith in), I am annoyed at you making a facile distinction between white and non-white criminals, in particular those of a younger age. It's easy for people to blame that which is strange or new to them, but here's a quick newsflash - we're a multicultural society with a responsibility to look after those less fortunate; get used to all those brown/black/beige faces, because they're here to stay.

PS Moon maiden - a "large number" of young people in an area, and a "rise in crime"? I'm assuming you have some stats to back this up, because I know that the police don't agree with you. Having spent a lot of time at the magistrates' court and crown court recently, I can confirm that the vast majority of those up on the kind of charges (I'm assuming) you refer to are white, cap-wearing locals. I don't accuse you of being politically incorrect (that's a concept I've never had much faith in), I am annoyed at you making a facile distinction between white and non-white criminals, in particular those of a younger age.

Why the hell should I have statistics? You get any number of youths in an area - be they white or otherwise and you have a recipie for disaster. Either the youths are up to no good or someone makes use of the distraction the kids cause.

Where did I differentiate between colour????

It's easy for people to blame that which is strange or new to them, but here's a quick newsflash - we're a multicultural society with a responsibility to look after those less fortunate; get used to all those brown/black/beige faces, because they're here to stay

Well I could have put bets on that a comment was made like this!

Here is a newsflash for you - it isn't just non whites that are victimised by this country - there are a growing number of WHITE people in this country that do not even get their views heard because of intolerance, ignorance, religious propaganda and incorrect media portrayal.

Do you know that I cannot legally get married by my religion? Did you know I cannot hold religious ceremonies as they should be held? Do you know that my religion was NOT recognised in this country by the 2001 census even though it is based on the first religion in this country? Did you know that my children are told that their parents are evil by intolerant people? Did you know that I face ridicule and ignorant remarks by people every day of my life because of the mark I wear??

So before you go 'assuming' anything else - just realise that white people are not out to get you. It is a basic standard of intolerance and misinformation - which is generally spoiled by the chosen few.

What gets my back up is an instant attack of someone being racist because they happen to make a comment on a negative part of life that includes a reference to someone being non-white. THAT is political correctness gone wrong when you cannot voice your opinions for fear of labelled.

Moon Maiden

i used to work in Maltby, but live in sheffield so that meant catching 2 buses from the bus station and getting up at 6am, which was not that great!

The thing which angered me was that they would cancel buses, or the bus would go early and id miss it, then have to wait ages for the next one. but there was no information that made any sense! Try looking at those screens next time you want a bus - most days they would send me to the wrong bus point.

I got the no. 69 to rotherham and i had more problems with it than any other bus ever!!!

Lightening the topic slightly...

It always makes me laugh(!) that people attempt to stand up before the bus stops and then go crashing from side to side. For example, some start standing up as you go over a round-a-bout ( :shock: )

Some people just never learn...

:?

You get that on trams too which is really dangerous - I found out to my peril as I stood up to get the kids ready and the tram had to stop suddenly - off went moon on her face down the tram closely followed by my 3 yr old.

Moon Maiden

Why the hell should I have statistics? You get any number of youths in an area - be they white or otherwise and you have a recipie for disaster. Either the youths are up to no good or someone makes use of the distraction the kids cause.

Where did I differentiate between colour????

Why indeed... the implication in your previous post was that there was a group of young people of a "particular race" (your words - hmm, I thought we were all homo sapiens) who, given that they have nothing to do, are turning to crime. Further, in mentioning that these young hoods were non-white, and failing to mention that it is white kids who are mostly to blame (or even conceding that they might commit crime), you apportion far too much blame to this ethnic minority (again, PLEASE tell me which "race" these people are?!). In fact, there is an underlying racism which pervades your comments.

Here is a newsflash for you - it isn't just non whites that are victimised by this country - there are a growing number of WHITE people in this country that do not even get their views heard because of intolerance, ignorance, religious propaganda and incorrect media portrayal.

Do you know that I cannot legally get married by my religion? Did you know I cannot hold religious ceremonies as they should be held? Do you know that my religion was NOT recognised in this country by the 2001 census even though it is based on the first religion in this country? Did you know that my children are told that their parents are evil by intolerant people? Did you know that I face ridicule and ignorant remarks by people every day of my life because of the mark I wear??

Ah, paganism, the religious equivalent of homeopathy. Let's have an argument about the merits of this "religion" elsewhere, ok? But please elaborate on the matter of white people not being heard.

So before you go 'assuming' anything else - just realise that white people are not out to get you. It is a basic standard of intolerance and misinformation - which is generally spoiled by the chosen few.

What gets my back up is an instant attack of someone being racist because they happen to make a comment on a negative part of life that includes a reference to someone being non-white. THAT is political correctness gone wrong when you cannot voice your opinions for fear of labelled.

Moon Maiden

The fact is you equate their anti-social behaviour with their ethnicity, when it's blatantly obvious that not all members of ANY ethnic group are committing crime, no matter the location! Again, you fail to concede that perhaps the white kids of Sheffield might possibly, perhaps, potentially be as big a part of the street crime problem as their non-white counterparts.

You don't consider yourself to be racist - well done. You haven't convinced me though. Try to find some stats to back up your argument and I might be forced to agree with you, at least on an empirical level.

[/siz]
I disagree, the 53 is the worst bus route. Going to school in the morning is hell, and coming back home is worse. Bus drivers treat school kids like dirt. Woe betide you if you have only got a pound coin for bus fare (kids price 35p) and if you don't have your bus pass you have to pay the full fare even if you are in your school uniform!

One outraged All Saints Student
John

Originally posted by "Anonymous"

[/siz]
I disagree, the 53 is the worst bus route. Going to school in the morning is hell, and coming back home is worse. Bus drivers treat school kids like dirt. Woe betide you if you have only got a pound coin for bus fare (kids price 35p) and if you don't have your bus pass you have to pay the full fare even if you are in your school uniform!

One outraged All Saints Student
John

I'm twenty four and the bus driver nearly chinned me for not having eight quid for the travel pass (I handed him a tenner).

As for racist comments - lets see - if there happens to be a large amount of young people in an area and then there is a rise in crime are we not allowed to comment???? Or is it just the fact they are of a particular race that is getting your backs up???

Where do I point out I refer to ethnic minority youths??? My first comment is a general one and my second refers to the fact that you instantly brand anyone racist that includes comments about ethnic minority people.

The fact is you equate their anti-social behaviour with their ethnicity, when it's blatantly obvious that not all members of ANY ethnic group are committing crime, no matter the location! Again, you fail to concede that perhaps the white kids of Sheffield might possibly, perhaps, potentially be as big a part of the street crime problem as their non-white counterparts.

You don't consider yourself to be racist - well done. You haven't convinced me though. Try to find some stats to back up your argument and I might be forced to agree with you, at least on an empirical level.

Where do I equate anti social behaviour with ethnicity? Are you reading my posts at all or just doing your classical assumptions?

As for being racist - I am - I hate the french! Rascism is ignorance or another group!

Would you like to tell my multi race son & daughter just how racist I am - whilst her family face being bombed out in the middle east??? Would you like to tell her family just how much I hate them would you?

Your comments are flawed and you have either not read what I have posted or your desire to paint everyone with the brush of racist has tinted your eyeballs.

Also - before we start with - well you can say you know all the coloured people in the world and it won't make a bit of difference - try my homepage - come and see me and my family at the shop and ask them.

I can paint people with a racist brush look - you made a racist comment aimed at me! Racism 100% pure ignorance You're it!

Ah, paganism, the religious equivalent of homeopathy. Let's have an argument about the merits of this "religion" elsewhere, ok? But please elaborate on the matter of white people not being heard.

Moon Maiden[/quote]

I've never been on a 75/76 bus so I can't really join in with this topic. However I do want to voice my opinion about the 93 bus route. It takes an age to get to Meadowahall on there! I can slowly feel myself growing old by the time I get to Meadowhall! Its ridiculous! Does anyone else agree that this route is extremely long?!

isnt it easier to walk to the top of the hill and catch the tram? or is that too far?

Thats quite a walk for me, especially in my boots :D Its not very nice up there anyway for someone on their own. I tend to catch the bus into town and then catch a tram or the 93 to Meadowhall. I sometimes walk up to the tram stop with my mates, because we can use the same ticket on both trams and it'll only cost us 35p to get all the way to Meadowhall :lol:

hehe :lol:

i tend not to go on buses anymore, they give me headaches :(

To the two lads who have made comment`s about the route 53 Low Edges-Ecclesfield

(1) It is the LAW that all children between 9-16 (16-18 if they go to College ) have to show there pass to let them on for 35p, if you do not have it you WILL have to pay full fare, sorry but it`s the law.

(2) on the second point about change.
Bus drivers them self get pi***d off with the boses because we are only allowed to have a £2 float, we ask all passengers to have the right chang but we have all been in the situation where sometimes this is imposable to do.
The driver was out of hand to do what he did, but it would depend on what time you went for your bus?, if it was first thing in the morning then change is like gold at that time as is the time between 1pm-3pm when the afternoon staff come`s on, we have brought this issue up time and time again but the bosses will not take notice.
I myself drive mostly on the route 53 what i tend to do if iam low on change is ask the passenger where they are going eg Town, then I ask them if they would not mind seeing me then as by the time we get to Town i might have some change.

Hope this has answer your question?.

Mr Bus Driver

Mr Bus Driver,

Do you ever sit in the bus station with your door closed while people queue to catch your bus, then at departure time, just drive off, without opening the door to let passangers on?

I've seen that happen!

I saw that happen alot in Barnsley.

At the end of the day - if you are having a bad one and come across the idiots I see whilst shopping it is a wonder we don't have bus driver rage towards passengers!!

Moon Maiden

Hello Andy.

There are 2 answer`s to your question.

(1) on route 53 the 2 areas for driver to change over is Flat Street or A4 platform, due to the attack`s on drivers we are not allowed anybody off or on when we are doing this, iam not sure what route you catch? but if a bus pulls up short of the bus stop Ie at flat Street it meens that there is to be a change of driver.

(2) if you are running for a bus i shall tell you now that the mirros on a bus are crap!, we have asked for blind spot mirros to be put on the left mirror so we can see passengers running for the bus, but yet again it a no-no from the bosses.

Hope you didn`t have to wait long for you next bus
Best Wishes
Mr Bus Driver

Originally posted by "geoffbowen"

Lightening the topic slightly...

It always makes me laugh(!) that people attempt to stand up before the bus stops and then go crashing from side to side. For example, some start standing up as you go over a round-a-bout ( :shock: )

Some people just never learn...

:?

I think with this that people are just frightened of missing their stop, I mean it has happened to me before many moons ago, the driver thought nobody was getting off and proceeded. Sometimes also bear in mind that the bus is so full that people are already stood up to start with.

:) How Long Did you have to wait for your bus this week?.
With Sheffield Bus drivers the lowest paid in the whole of First Group (About 165-00p/w) there is a large shortage of drivers.

Which is the Worst bus route in Sheffield and Why?.

:mad: 47/48 i waited on Gregg House Road for 25mins then three came at once..this ain't a one off it happens all the time

Originally posted by Jon
:mad: 47/48 i waited on Gregg House Road for 25mins then three came at once..this ain't a one off it happens all the time

Hello Jon

Im Sorry you had to wait 25mins (Not sure about the manament?)
The next time you are (hopefully) on a 47/48 have a look at the small timetables they (Sometimes) have on the buses, look at the back and it will tell you that you are so lucky as this is a turn up and go service.

I will let you fill in your feeling on that in your next post.

Best Wishes
Mr Bus Driver

41. Every 6 minutes my arse. Most mornings I can be standing waiting for 20 minutes at least.

i refuse to catch buses......they are never on time and the drivers are usually grumpy old sods...i am fortunate enough to live about 20 mins walk from town so i just leg it..if it happens to be a freezing wet night i have 2 choices, stand and wait at a bus stop for half an hour and pay £1.05 fare, or sit in the warmth of my front room wait for a taxi and pay 3 quid.........taxi for me every time.

The evening service on 25A has to be one of the worst, it is such a shoestring operation and rarely runs on time.

123!!! That bus would be so convenient for me but the blasted thing only comes every 20 minutes on mon-fri's and 30 minutes on a Saturday... Non existant on a Sunday, apart from the 723 which only takes you to the Interchange...

The 95 is a pain on a Monday morning (around 7.30ish) so I've heard... Thank God I don't have to go to school on that day!!!

and the 82.... don't even get me started with the 82!!! I have been stood half an hour many a morning in town, waiting for that damned bus!!! Grrrrr!!! I have complained four times to First about this service and aparently its not their fault.... well who's fault is it then?.... lol!

I didn’t realise that Bus Drivers were so badly paid. You wages are far too low. Surely though even if you were paid more and there was no shortage of drivers you still could not provide a reliable service because of the traffic congestion we get in Sheffield. It must be impossible to keep to a timetable at busy periods.

I don't use the bus so I canne comment.

My experiences of buses is from Barnsley and they were a flippin nightmare particularly for a young mum with pram and shopping!

Moon

Originally posted by caprice
123!!! That bus would be so convenient for me but the blasted thing only comes every 20 minutes on mon-fri's and 30 minutes on a Saturday... Non existant on a Sunday, apart from the 723 which only takes you to the Interchange...


the 123 comes wenevea it likes as far as i can tell!!! i now walk home from woodhouse instead it saves waiting for sometimes nearly hours!

Originally posted by fatjohn
you still could not provide a reliable service because of the traffic congestion we get in Sheffield. It must be impossible to keep to a timetable at busy periods.


Have you ever gone though Woodseats John?

The Trick is to try and get there 5 mins early then by the time you have got thought Woodseats you might be only 10 mins late.

The car drivers will always moan that there are too many bus lanes and the bus passengers will say there is to few, what do you think?.

Originally posted by Andy C
The evening service on 25A has to be one of the worst, it is such a shoestring operation and rarely runs on time.

Hello Andy I see your located not to far away from me.

You and I will remember when the 75's came to Bradway, a very good service until for some reason we now go to Jordanthorpe on which you got the 25A service.

The Reason why the 25A are allways late is there are only 2 buses running from Bradway to Arundel Gate and back to Bradway, I think that the drivers on that route get About 23 Mins from Bradway to Arundel Gate so you try and do that on a Friday Night.

Originally posted by caprice
don't even get me started with the 82!!! I have been stood half an hour many a morning in town, waiting for that damned bus!!! Grrrrr!!! I have complained four times to First about this service and aparently its not their fault.... well who's fault is it then?.... lol!


Ive had a good chat with a driver who works on the 82 route and he says that Ecclesall Road is a nightmare (Not the word he used!).
He said that on paper there is a 6/8 min service but because of the traffic it is NORMAL for the poor passengers to wait a long time, and yes you have guess it 3 then come along at once!.

Im sorry Caprice that you and everyone else who write's a post on the subject have to comment on the bad things about the buses, but it shows just how bad things are

Originally posted by Mr BusDriver
Ive had a good chat with a driver who works on the 82 route and he says that Ecclesall Road is a nightmare (Not the word he used!).
He said that on paper there is a 6/8 min service but because of the traffic it is NORMAL for the poor passengers to wait a long time, and yes you have guess it 3 then come along at once!.


Poor passengers in Ecclesall? Surely not!

Ecclesall Road, a nightmare?! As in 'Nightmare on Elm Street' starring t020 as Freddy Kruger with stuck up opinions?

Just kidding T0! ;)

Ecclesall Road, a nightmare?! As in 'Nightmare on Elm Street' starring t020 as Freddy Kruger with stuck up opinions?

Hahaha!!!!!

Just kidding T0!

I wouldn't be :P

Yes, Woodseats is a total nightmare all day, combination of the bottleneck effect and the numerous pedestrian crossings.

It's made worse by buses having to run in the left hand lane as that is where the stops are, but then having to pull out round parked cars into the right hand lane, causing delays for all the cars in that line of traffic.

Only solution is to provide off road parking for shoppers then making entire length of Woodseats a no stopping zone at all times. (other than buses pulling into stops of course).

Now bus route 293 Sheffield-Millhouses-Bradway-Dronfield avoids the Woodseats problem, however this runs to a most bizzarre timetable, which on Saturdays sees a bus every 2 hours from Sheffield to Bradway, but only 1 bus all day from Bradway to Sheffield! And on weekdays the last bus into town is at about 3pm! No service at all evenings or Sundays. Maybe its time to improve this route.

[i]Originally posted by Andy C

Now bus route 293 Sheffield-Millhouses-Bradway-Dronfield avoids the Woodseats problem, however this runs to a most bizzarre timetable, which on Saturdays sees a bus every 2 hours from Sheffield to Bradway, but only 1 bus all day from Bradway to Sheffield! And on weekdays the last bus into town is at about 3pm! No service at all evenings or Sundays. Maybe its time to improve this route.

You must be joking Andy!

The route 293 is run by Thompson Travel and is run mainly for the workers at the Gunstone bakery in Dronfield, so the timetable mainly runs to the shift change over times.

I don’t know what the answer is to the congestion in Woodseats. If parking was limited even further then the shops would lose trade, and it is a busy retail area. But there isn’t much point in having bus lanes if the bus is continually held up. I have noticed a lot of inconsiderate and illegal parking in Woodseats so maybe a large car park somewhere would be the answer. Really though the only answer is ‘dedicated bus lanes’, that deny access to anything other than buses, taxis, police etc. But the cost of widening roads etc would be prohibitive, or would it, if you gained an efficient public transport system?

The 41 isn't bad but its not great.
The 41 isn't bad but its not great.

Terrible ain't it? You wait for a reply and two come along at once.

Chris.

PS. I apologise. :P

Obviously none of you have to endure the nightmare which is the 60 to Fulwood - always late (often over 30 mins wait - and should be every 7 mins), always over crowded (students and school kids galore, and hospital workers, patients and visitors).
And I live on 47/48-75/76 bus route, and they are definately nowhere near as consistently and regularly as bad as the 60.
Believe me I know.
:mad:

My kids would be happy with a bus that is even 30 mins late! Very often their bus from Shirecliffe to the city centre is non existent and they have to phone me to take them to college.

Originally posted by fatjohn
I don’t know what the answer is to the congestion in Woodseats. If parking was limited even further then the shops would lose trade, and it is a busy retail area. But there isn’t much point in having bus lanes if the bus is continually held up. I have noticed a lot of inconsiderate and illegal parking in Woodseats so maybe a large car park somewhere would be the answer. Really though the only answer is ‘dedicated bus lanes’, that deny access to anything other than buses, taxis, police etc. But the cost of widening roads etc would be prohibitive, or would it, if you gained an efficient public transport system?

We (The Bus Drivers) had a good idea.
Make woodseats into a 3 lane road, then add the trafiic system that they have on Queens road ( the one with the arrows and crosses) only have it working between 730am-9am and 4pm-530pm then the rest of the time have what you have in place now.

I see they have just pull down the BP petol station in woodseats could this be a car park?

[i]Originally posted by hiyabeing
Obviously none of you have to endure the nightmare which is the 60 to Fulwood - always late (often over 30 mins wait - and should be every 7 mins), always over crowded (students and school kids galore, and hospital workers, patients and visitors).
And I live on 47/48-75/76 bus route, and they are definately nowhere near as consistently and regularly as bad as the 60.
Believe me I know.
:mad:

:thumbsup: Two problems you have here.
(1) Broomhall !!!!! , the traffic lights at the Jct with Glossop Rd are a pain to say the least + the traffic problems on west street means that a 60 rarely runs on time.

(2) Heres even more bad new, because there is a shortage of drivers instead of a every 10 min service you tend to find 60's will be running to around a every 15-20 mins service, also because there is only 1 bus garage in Sheffield (Used to be 6) if you want to increase a service the company has to trim another (Route 34 to Hillsborough comes to mind)
The Only way forward is to exstend the tram to Fulwood, I can not see any bus companys paying drivers more, in there view profit comes before anything else.

[i]Originally posted by SuzyC
My kids would be happy with a bus that is even 30 mins late! Very often their bus from Shirecliffe to the city centre is non existent and they have to phone me to take them to college.

:( Sorry Suzy but as for the worse route for lack of drivers then the 33/34's come top, I have know on many night when only 1 bus is working the route (4 normaly) I think that 33/34 only get 13-15 mins from Shirecliffe to the Markets in the daytime so like the 60's if they run on time you have done well.

Route 17 - all around the city in 20 hours! Jeez

Originally posted by Internetowl
Route 17 - all around the city in 20 hours! Jeez

Another BAD route!

This problem started when a large bus company in Sheffield axed the service 42 because it was not making a much money as they wanted.
The service 80 was then diverted via Fox Hill & Grenoside but because there was no spare buses the whole service from Sheffield -High Green and back to Sheffield had a running time of 54 mins, this lead to buses coming in up to 20 mins late.

So now what they have done is re-routed the route 17 and so you are right it dose take 20 hours to go round, also if you want to complain about this service dont ring Olive Grove garage up to do so as because of the sortage of drivers the route 17 is now run from Rotherham garage.

The 252 operated by Aston Express must be the worst route in Sheffield. When they do turn up and you've experienced a bone-breaking ride on their minibuses you rather wish they hadn't bothered at all!

personally I don't use the buses anymore due to

1. cost
2. time
3. don't go where I want to go

my car is cheaper, more reliable, quicker and much more comfortable...had I lived on a tram route I might use that but as I don't I don't.

its no wonder the roads are clogged with cars - whats the alternative? walking

The 60's are defo the worst...it's not unusual to wait 30 minutes and then have three go past at once...could swear the bus drivers are having a party at the Crimicar terminus hence the delays every time :rolleyes:

I think the worst bus route is 17.
my daughter in law has waited for this bus after work at meadowhall for over an hour and 3 were missing.
This was not the first time and she complained and got a letter back stating driver shortages and an apology.

What a load of rubbish when the time is 7.30pm and you have been at work all day and can`t get home.

I have to say the driver shortage excuse annoys me too. It's worse when you wait an hour on High Street for a 25A to Bradway after 2 have been cancelled in a row due to driver shortage, yet about 15 number 52s to Crookes have come past in a continuous convoy in that period. I mean, how many buses do they need to Crookes? Surely a bus controller with a brain would just cancel a 52 and use the driver on the 25A, they wouldn't notice one bus missing on the 52 surely!

What is even more annoying is you cannot get any information on how long you will have to wait for the next one to turn up as drivers on other buses aren't interested, and the traveline doesn't know. If I knew the next 25A wasn't going to turn up then instead of wasting my life waiting for ever for a non existent bus I would get a Totley bus and walk the last mile to Bradway.

First bus must be the most incompetent bus company in the world ever. And they must also be the slowest.

47/48 are absolutely pathetic - on more than one occasion have 4/5 51's gone past in the time it takes for either a 47 or 48 to turn up. With the roadworks in the middle of town now it's just got worse :rolleyes:

Originally posted by Andy C
I have to say the driver shortage excuse annoys me too. It's worse when you wait an hour on High Street for a 25A to Bradway after 2 have been cancelled in a row due to driver shortage, yet about 15 number 52s to Crookes have come past.

What is even more annoying is you cannot get any information on how long you will have to wait for the next one to turn up as drivers on other buses aren't interested, and the traveline doesn't know. If I knew the next 25A wasn't going to turn up then instead of wasting my life waiting for ever for a non existent bus I would get a Totley bus and walk the last mile to Bradway.

First bus must be the most incompetent bus company in the world ever. And they must also be the slowest.

2 points here Andy.:)

(1) The bus company in question will NOT take of a driver of a 52 to do a route 25a to Bradway as the route 52 makes the most profit for the company, if the buses were still owned by Sheffield City Council then this would have happened.

(2) In Sheffield The bus stops are run by South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Exc.
Most drivers are sure that the manament have never been on a bus let-a-loan try and keep people informed.
On a recent trip to Brighton ALL the bus stops in the town centre had displays fixed to them telling passengers how long they had to wait for there next bus.
There is a very very small system running on the route 51 but these are allways wrong/breaking down.
Sorry Andy but until they replace the clowns running S.Y.P.T.E we (Sheffield) will lag behind everyone else.

Originally posted by starchild
The 60's are defo the worst...it's not unusual to wait 30 minutes and then have three go past at once...could swear the bus drivers are having a party at the Crimicar terminus hence the delays every time :rolleyes:

:confused: WHAT DRIVERS!!!!
165-00 Quid for a 42 hour week!

Originally posted by fnkysknky
47/48 are absolutely pathetic - on more than one occasion have 4/5 51's gone past in the time it takes for either a 47 or 48 to turn up. With the roadworks in the middle of town now it's just got worse :rolleyes:

:wave: Ah I take it your on about Eyre Street!!
Only takes drivers about 15mins to do 1/2 a mile though the roadworks!!!

Worst bus routes = 82 and 83 between Stannington to Town and back.... they only run every half hour, and aren't the most reliable of services even then, as they often turn up at least 10 minutes late.

And when you live in a fairly isolated area right up the top end of Stannington that isn't very good in my opinion, especially given that part of the reason we moved up Stannington from Lower Walkley 6 years ago was easier access to buses instead of having to trek all the way up to Heavygate Road at Crookes for the 52 or down to Hillsborough.

So, what do we make of our part time bus service again finishing at 6pm on New Years Eve. Why do they do this? Surely there is huge demand for people heading out for new years eve celebrations!

Compare this to London where as well as the normal night bus service, the London Underground, Docklands Light Railway and Croydon Tramlink all extended their service to run all night, with all public transport journeys (except trains) free of charge between 23:45 and 04:30.

And no service at all New Years day? Why? Traditionally people like to go out either into the countryside or to a shopping centre. Trains and trams run new years day - so why can't buses be bothered?

I can accept buses not running Christmas day due to the combination of lack of demand and the staff wanting to be at home with their family for Christmas, and to a lesser extent boxing day, but new years eve and new years day there is no excuse.

As a student who has moved from the east midlands to sheffield, i am pretty appalled with the service of buses in sheffield. I catch the number 50 bus every day to the university, and there are a few points i have to make:
1) I have now spent a term catching a bus every day and have not come across one cheerful bus driver at all
2) This one doesn't bother me much as you expect it but it is rarely on time
3) If you are not EXACTLY at the bus stop but are 10 seconds away from it and you run towards it waving your arms at the bus driver to stop, they just drive past you as if you weren't there just glancing at you and some have even laughed
4) On the odd occasion they have been over 5 minutes early which obviously plays havoc because you don't know whether the bus has gone or if it is late or whatever, NO BUSES SHOULD EVER BE EARLY!
5) The bus doesn't turn up at all, usually the 10:41 bus for some reason
The one that most annoys me out of these is the third one because that is just the ignorance of the drivers and there is ALWAYS space on the number 50 bus when you get on at hunters bar so that is not the reason.

Originally posted by sheffieldfox
[ NO BUSES SHOULD EVER BE EARLY!


How would you make sure the buses ran on time?.

I agree with many of the comments about the 47/48 and 75/76 bus routes.

Yes, waiting for 47/48 or 75/76 bus into town on a weekday morning is bad. Pre 8am, the buses arrive on time, but are chock full and drive right on.

Between 8 and 9am, you really do wait up to 30 minutes for one, then three arrive at once - two chock full and one practically empty. Note that the published 'average time of 12 minutes between buses' still applies!

After 9am, the buses slow down to one every 30 minutes.

I have been told this is down to the traffic calming in Firth Park - road narrowing; one-way system round Firth Park Centre...

Returning home is almost as bad. After 6pm, there is practically no service at all - one bus every 30 minutes.

Originally posted by Mr BusDriver
How would you make sure the buses ran on time?.

I would rather a bus be 5 or so minutes late than early, if a bus is early it should stop at the stop even if no-one is there until the time its supposed to arrive at that stop

Originally posted by sheffieldfox
I would rather a bus be 5 or so minutes late than early, if a bus is early it should stop at the stop even if no-one is there until the time its supposed to arrive at that stop

spot on.

47 and 48 waited 30mins and both turned up yet only 47 stopped at the castle market stop and the 48 ignored everyone driving straight past

Originally posted by Mr BusDriver
(1) The bus company in question will NOT take of a driver of a 52 to do a route 25a to Bradway as the route 52 makes the most profit for the company, if the buses were still owned by Sheffield City Council then this would have happened.


Even when the number 52 buses in question have only a couple of people on board each? I see that all the time, but they still run every ten to fifteen minutes, while peasants are waiting up to an hour for a 47/48 or 75/76 after 6 pm.

Isn't there still a public body that liaises with First Mainline every time First want to slash bus services / raise prices. Is it worth us complaining to them, Mr BusDriver?

And going a little off topic here...why are fares so high when staff are paid so little (I fear I know the answer to this :rolleyes: ) When I lived in Leeds a few years ago, the equivalent of a seven-day saver cost just a fiver. Over here, it was 8 quid, and rose by 50p every few months!

i like how ppl r complaing about the 22 but wat about the 17 bus service they might as well cancel that route as for the last 30,yrs the bus eather never turns up r it comes but it arrives 1hr late then you got 3 turning up at once r its stopped at meadowhall and all you get of first maine line is that its the road works at meadowhall but i dont think thats been built for thirty years r have i been a sleep lol r the football disrupts it so let me c why there r more cars on the road infact c if you can tell me?

The worst bus route EVER! is definately the 25a to woodhouse! On three occasions in the past 3 weeks hve i been stood waiting for 50 minutes AT LEAST for a bus. Only to then find that 2 or 3 come at once! And there is the added fact that the buses stop running from town at 8 o'clock! Whats going on there then? I think the bus service in Sheffield is absolute sh*te and if they're not careful, they wont be te ones on strike, we will!!!!!

Originally posted by craig
i like how ppl r complaing about the 22 but wat about the 17 bus service they might as well cancel that route as for the last 30,yrs the bus eather never turns up r it comes but it arrives 1hr late then you got 3 turning up at once

Yeah! The 17 bus! That's a classic! At best, it only runs every 30 minutes, when the bus driver feels like it, when it's not too cold, wet or snowing (all those hills, y'see). What's that you say? Three at once? Mate, I don't think there's three of 'em running a week let alone an hour!

Yep, the 17 service along with the number 2 service must be among the most unreliable throughout the timetable.

Originally posted by TidyGirl25
The worst bus route EVER! is definately the 25a to woodhouse! On three occasions in the past 3 weeks hve i been stood waiting for 50 minutes AT LEAST for a bus. Only to then find that 2 or 3 come at once! And there is the added fact that the buses stop running from town at 8 o'clock! Whats going on there then? I think the bus service in Sheffield is absolute sh*te and if they're not careful, they wont be te ones on strike, we will!!!!!

I used to use the 25 and 25a on a regular basis up till about 3 months ago, and never had any problems with it being late or anything, apart from once when I JUST missed one and was quite a while waiting for the next one to come on Arundel Gate at the stop between TJ Hughes and the Crucible.

Any bus route which shares the supertram route by the looks of it!

http://www.sheffieldforum.co.uk/misc/tramcrash_oct16/DSCF0018_r.jpg

Ouch - nice pic Geoff
:thumbsup:

Lots of moans on this sadly the moans outweigh the very few bus drivers out who are good.

Firstly the 48 route is shocking (can't comment on the 47 as it doesn't go on my road)
If this bus is not late (normal) it is early. The other day it was early by 10 yes 10 minutes on Blackstock Road towards Heardings. It arrived at 0728 (am) on Blackstock when it shouldn't even been at Newfield Green until 07:32 it arrived at Heardings 10 mins early, now a lot of people would say I should be glad it wasn't late, but I live across the road from the bus stop and if I didn't set off ten mins early I would have missed it and my tram then been late for work.

Also most of the drivers on this route are rude, claim the bus is full when there are 2 people standing, and don't stop at bus stops unless you are stood at the door. Which goes against the Health and Safety advice First put on the buses, saying to remain seated until the bus has stopped. I have a bad leg and it hurts when a bus stops quickly so would rather wait for another bus than to stand, so I can't stand when it is moving as it causes me pain when it stops.

And what is it with 48's pulling round 47's and missing passengers, I have told first about this and they say the 47 stops on Blackstock Road - it doesn't - when I told this they said go round to herdings and back down on the 48, it costs the same. It doesn't.
City Centre to Blackstock Road on a 48 = £1.05 on a 47 = £1.80 - £1.05 to herdings then 75p herdings to blackstock. If you were entitled to a consesanary fare you would have to pay twice.

Also why don't the drivers know how to use the kneeling function, I have been told by first that they have to train the drivers in the function. How long does it train people to press a button????

Once when I complained I was told to use another service, which one there is only one service that goes to herdings 7 days a week Yorkshire Terrier don't run on a sunday, the 48 only manages one a hour until lunchtime.

OK gripes over I sure there are worst out there (at least I hope there is hate to have the worse)

JUBBY

Originally posted by Mr BusDriver
Another BAD route!

This problem started when a large bus company in Sheffield axed the service 42 because it was not making a much money as they wanted.
The service 80 was then diverted via Fox Hill & Grenoside but because there was no spare buses the whole service from Sheffield -High Green and back to Sheffield had a running time of 54 mins, this lead to buses coming in up to 20 mins late.

So now what they have done is re-routed the route 17 and so you are right it dose take 20 hours to go round, also if you want to complain about this service dont ring Olive Grove garage up to do so as because of the sortage of drivers the route 17 is now run from Rotherham garage.

That sounds so silly that a sheffield bus isn't even based in sheffield, this service used to run from the garage near leppings lane, on the route. The main problem with this route is the cost of fares.

Originally posted by Andy C
I have to say the driver shortage excuse annoys me too. It's worse when you wait an hour on High Street for a 25A to Bradway after 2 have been cancelled in a row due to driver shortage, yet about 15 number 52s to Crookes have come past in a continuous convoy in that period. I mean, how many buses do they need to Crookes? Surely a bus controller with a brain would just cancel a 52 and use the driver on the 25A, they wouldn't notice one bus missing on the 52 surely!

What is even more annoying is you cannot get any information on how long you will have to wait for the next one to turn up as drivers on other buses aren't interested, and the traveline doesn't know. If I knew the next 25A wasn't going to turn up then instead of wasting my life waiting for ever for a non existent bus I would get a Totley bus and walk the last mile to Bradway.

First bus must be the most incompetent bus company in the world ever. And they must also be the slowest.

I have to agree with the 52 point 3 every 30 seconds the 51 is the same

Originally posted by Andy C
So, what do we make of our part time bus service again finishing at 6pm on New Years Eve. Why do they do this? Surely there is huge demand for people heading out for new years eve celebrations!

Compare this to London where as well as the normal night bus service, the London Underground, Docklands Light Railway and Croydon Tramlink all extended their service to run all night, with all public transport journeys (except trains) free of charge between 23:45 and 04:30.

And no service at all New Years day? Why? Traditionally people like to go out either into the countryside or to a shopping centre. Trains and trams run new years day - so why can't buses be bothered?

I can accept buses not running Christmas day due to the combination of lack of demand and the staff wanting to be at home with their family for Christmas, and to a lesser extent boxing day, but new years eve and new years day there is no excuse.

All I can say about this the drivers may be on a slightly lower wage than me (should be very simaler with tax credits for those with familes) but they got boxing day, and new years day off and an early finish on xmas eve and new years eve. what about those who had to work it??? If it wasn't for family with cars I would have to pay out of my nose for a taxi!!!

Jubby

Originally posted by sheffieldfox
I would rather a bus be 5 or so minutes late than early, if a bus is early it should stop at the stop even if no-one is there until the time its supposed to arrive at that stop

I Agree read my post above 10 mins early in the morning going in the oppisite direction to the traffic jams. The only reason I could see hime doing this was he got 10 more mins at the terminus

JUBBY

Originally posted by Abdul
Even when the number 52 buses in question have only a couple of people on board each? I see that all the time, but they still run every ten to fifteen minutes, while peasants are waiting up to an hour for a 47/48 or 75/76 after 6 pm.

Isn't there still a public body that liaises with First Mainline every time First want to slash bus services / raise prices. Is it worth us complaining to them, Mr BusDriver?

And going a little off topic here...why are fares so high when staff are paid so little (I fear I know the answer to this :rolleyes: ) When I lived in Leeds a few years ago, the equivalent of a seven-day saver cost just a fiver. Over here, it was 8 quid, and rose by 50p every few months!

Tip to make sure First don't make as much money.

Sheffield 7 day saver now £13 but you can buy a TravelMaster vaild on all buses trains and trams in South Yourkshire for £15.60.

SYPTE may be clowns a lot of times but I see where the value for money is.

I now get a travelmaster cost me £560 a year, and it means i can ride on the smooth on time trams, only need a bus for the 5 min ride to the tram stop.

These are the worst in Sheffield!

The 8/9 buses are once every hour, and you never know if they are going to turn up! They never keep to a timetable, and if they do, the bus is a old banger!

The 3/4 buses are every half hour, again you never know if they are going to turn up! I have to get these buses to University ... I think I have been on time twice in the past year! Many times the bus has turned up, but the driver that does the change over doesn't!! Also if you don't get the bus at the bus station, the driver is very likely just to drive past you!!

Originally posted by jubby
Tip to make sure First don't make as much money.

Sheffield 7 day saver now £13 but you can buy a TravelMaster vaild on all buses trains and trams in South Yourkshire for £15.60.

SYPTE may be clowns a lot of times but I see where the value for money is.

I now get a travelmaster cost me £560 a year, and it means i can ride on the smooth on time trams, only need a bus for the 5 min ride to the tram stop.

Good for you:thumbsup:
Thats what a transport service should be about "Value For Money"

Still far too much to pay for 7days:mad:

Originally posted by jubby
That sounds so silly that a sheffield bus isn't even based in sheffield, this service used to run from the garage near leppings lane, on the route. The main problem with this route is the cost of fares.


Welcome to the ga-ga world of a big Sheffield Bus Company:loopy:


I KNOW the fares are high :mad: Do you think I would pay 75p to go a few stops:loopy:

Bring back the days when it was 10p for a Adult & 2p for a Child :thumbsup:

Originally posted by qazitory
These are the worst in Sheffield!

The 8/9 buses are once every hour, and you never know if they are going to turn up! They never keep to a timetable, and if they do, the bus is a old banger!

The 3/4 buses are every half hour, again you never know if they are going to turn up! I have to get these buses to University ... I think I have been on time twice in the past year! Many times the bus has turned up, but the driver that does the change over doesn't!! Also if you don't get the bus at the bus station, the driver is very likely just to drive past you!!

The Bus Drivers nick-name the buses on the 8/9's MILKFLOATS as this is all they would be useful for:nod:

The 8&9's is another service where a crystal ball is needed to see if there is a service running this year:mad:

As for the Route 3/4 I take it you go to the University on Psaler Lane?

Have talked to a driver on that route the service 3/4 gets 26 mins from Sheffield Interchange to Millhouses:loopy: Now you try doing that on a Monday morning about 8am-9am with all the cars parked on Cemetery Rd :mad:

Like Ive said before there is only 1 Yes 1 Bus depot in Sheffield so if you want a extra bus the company has to nick it of another route:mad:

Oh and they can't do that as there would be NO drivers to drive it:mad:

And Im sorry to tell you this but the word is that if the 3/4's don't make any more money this year they
Will make it a service 3 ONLY running allday every HOUR!!!!:loopy:

Many students have stopped using the 3 and 4 bus routes as they are too unreliable, but if they dont use it, it will be got rid of!So its catch 22.

Well I'm leaving University in May, and so I can go out and earn money for a car!!!! :)

Originally posted by jubby
[B]Lots of moans on this sadly the moans outweigh the very few bus drivers out who are good.

Also why don't the drivers know how to use the kneeling function, I have been told by first that they have to train the drivers in the function. How long does it train people to press a button????

JUBBY

Sorry to hear about the problems with the low floor 47/48's

There are 2 Answers to your question.

(1) out of the 100+ low floor buses about 70-75% have low floors that work :mad: Yep its that old problem of money it take's about 2-3 days to mend the working of the low floor on a bus, and a certen company would rather have it out in service than stuck over a Pit getting mended.

(2) The H&SE law states that a driver can NOT opperate the low floor until he has been trained to do so, this also includes wheelchair operation, if a driver was to lower the floor for a old person to get on and that person sliped then this would be the fault of the driver and he/she WOULD get sacked:mad:

I drive on a route where I have a lot of old people/prams, I allways lower the floor as I think Im going to be old one day and that is how I would like to be treated.

If the low floor is not working then I put a sign in the side window telling the passengers, drivers have a maintenace card that we fill in so if there is a problem with the bus then it is recorded, however when or if it is fixed is in the lap of the god's:confused:

Originally posted by qazitory Many students have stopped using the 3 and 4 bus routes as they are too unreliable, but if they dont use it, it will be got rid of!So its catch 22.

Well I'm leaving University in May, and so I can go out and earn money for a car!!!! :)

I write to the Sheffield Star if I was you about the route 3&4:idea:

If there is going to be cut backs this will be the services that get the axe:mad:

Originally posted by Mr BusDriver
Sorry to hear about the problems with the low floor 47/48's

There are 2 Answers to your question.

(1) out of the 100+ low floor buses about 70-75% have low floors that work :mad: Yep its that old problem of money it take's about 2-3 days to mend the working of the low floor on a bus, and a certen company would rather have it out in service than stuck over a Pit getting mended.

(2) The H&SE law states that a driver can NOT opperate the low floor until he has been trained to do so, this also includes wheelchair operation, if a driver was to lower the floor for a old person to get on and that person sliped then this would be the fault of the driver and he/she WOULD get sacked:mad:

I drive on a route where I have a lot of old people/prams, I allways lower the floor as I think Im going to be old one day and that is how I would like to be treated.

If the low floor is not working then I put a sign in the side window telling the passengers, drivers have a maintenace card that we fill in so if there is a problem with the bus then it is recorded, however when or if it is fixed is in the lap of the god's:confused:

Point taken about the training and it is actual LOLA that covers the knelling function on the buses, but please it would take ten minutes to train you and to sign the form to say you have been trained.

It is just a button, and a pull out ramp.

Silly corporate delay i know.

Glad to see you put a sign up so people know in advance without embrassing you or them by asking for you to kneel it. Why can't all drivers take the interest in passengers like you do??

Jubby

A Poem

We are told by the council to travel by bus
It will help cut their losses and be better for us
There's nowhere to park if you come in by car
So 'hop on a bus', it's better by far
The only thing is, you just stand there and wait
You can guarantee yours is the one running late
It often won't bother to turn up at all
Then tempers get frayed: 'I'll give them a call

It's a waste of good money, a waste of my time
For the excuses they make can't be put into rhyme
For none of it adds u, it doesn't make sense
Their strange explanations just make me more tense
It isn't their problem, they don't make the rules
It's some other department that fixes schedules
So whatever the problem, whatever your lot
It's just profit they're after, we don't matter one jot

So if you decide to travel one day
Allow lots of time on your journy each way
Or you'll miss your appointment and again you will wait
For the phantom to appear on Arundel Gate

Mrs L Musselwhite
Masefield Road
Sheffield S13

As seen in the letters page of the Sheffield Star Tuesday 6th Jan 2004

My wife waited for the 47 bus outside Wilkinsons on two seperate occasions, once for 1 hour and another for fifty minutes. This service is a joke and First Mainline call us Customers but we are passengers, customers have a choice to go elsewhere if they receive bad service from any company but we are stuck with this joke of a company.


Lazarus

I live on a 47/48 and the 75/76 route and there are supposed to be roughly the same time apart. But I always end up getting a 75/76!!

Don't get me started on buses... but you have, so...

I live in Meersbrook, Chesterfield Road area, the buses (33,34,25,25a,53)are reasonable into town most days (apart from very early mornings when they just don't appear), the 49 and 49a yorkie buses frequently break down, a few weeks ago the driver crashed into a landrover and then at traffic lights opened the doors to wave to a mate in the next car.

I then have to get the 51 to 6th form, which (I'm amazed it can get away with this) says 'every 10 minutes' on the side. Most mornings I wait half an hour or so and am late for school, even when arriving at the stop half an hour before i need to.

Before Christmas I waited 40 minutes for a 14 in the freezing cold, although they're normally pretty reliable. It took a whole 35 minutes to get from TJ Hughes to the bottom of the Moor - whoever thought it was a good idea to plan the roadworks during the Christmas and January rush?!

I could go on...the number 2, bad enough as it only comes every hour, is frequently 40 minutes late, and we wait in the dark after school until it comes along. Unfortunately First have the monopoly, so what can I do, I'm not old enough to drive and can't afford a taxi. With adult fares as high as they are you'd think that the service could be improved. More drivers would be a better option than new fleets of buses, I honestly don't care what colour seat I'm sitting in, as long as it gets me there.

Told you you shouldn't get me started!

Originally posted by jubby
Point taken about the training and it is actual LOLA that covers the knelling function on the buses, but please it would take ten minutes to train you and to sign the form to say you have been trained.

It is just a button, and a pull out ramp.

Silly corporate delay i know.

Glad to see you put a sign up so people know in advance without embrassing you or them by asking for you to kneel it. Why can't all drivers take the interest in passengers like you do??

Jubby

Ok let me answer your questions:D

(1) It takes a WHOLE day to train around 12 Drivers at a time, this is due to 2 tests having to be took (H&SE & Bus companys ).
You now have a situation:confused: Do you take 12 drivers off the road for a day to train them which of couse means that 12 buses will not run, or do you leave them to drive the buses but then they will not be able to operate the low floor:confused:

(2) In your second question " Why can't all drivers take intrest in passengers"
The answer is simple:D If you look at the drivers you will see that most are over 40+, about 90% of these will be on the Council Penision, that is pre 1986 when the buses were owned by SCC.
All there hear to do is to get there pay each week to top up there excelent penision:) . You can't blame them:D

Originally posted by qazitory
[B]I live on a 47/48 and the 75/76 route and there are supposed to be roughly the same time apart. But I always end up getting a 75/76!!]

Your Lucky catching a 75/76:clap:
The 47/48 are SUPPOSED to run every 3/4 mins combined
Where the 75/76's run every 15mins each.
The 75/76's have been reduced in service over the last year:confused:
This means between the Markets & Firth Park they are allways nearly FULL:mad:

Originally posted by lazarus
My wife waited for the 47 bus outside Wilkinsons on two seperate occasions, once for 1 hour and another for fifty minutes. This service is a joke and First Mainline call us Customers but we are passengers, customers have a choice to go elsewhere if they receive bad service from any company but we are stuck with this joke of a company.


Lazarus [/B]

Sorry your wife had to wait:sad:
If you feel so stongley about it write to the Sheffield Star :thumbsup:

Originally posted by jubby
A Poem

We are told by the council to travel by bus
It will help cut their losses and be better for us
There's nowhere to park if you come in by car
So 'hop on a bus', it's better by far
The only thing is, you just stand there and wait
You can guarantee yours is the one running late
It often won't bother to turn up at all
Then tempers get frayed: 'I'll give them a call

It's a waste of good money, a waste of my time
For the excuses they make can't be put into rhyme
For none of it adds u, it doesn't make sense
Their strange explanations just make me more tense
It isn't their problem, they don't make the rules
It's some other department that fixes schedules
So whatever the problem, whatever your lot
It's just profit they're after, we don't matter one jot

So if you decide to travel one day
Allow lots of time on your journy each way
Or you'll miss your appointment and again you will wait
For the phantom to appear on Arundel Gate

Mrs L Musselwhite
Masefield Road
Sheffield S13

As seen in the letters page of the Sheffield Star Tuesday 6th Jan 2004


WELL DONE:clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap:

As I speak drivers up and down South Yorkshire are cutting out your poem and it sticking it everywhere.
You will be famous tommorow

:D

Originally posted by noseyrosie


Unfortunately First have the monopoly, so what can I do, I'm not old enough to drive and can't afford a taxi. With adult fares as high as they are you'd think that the service could be improved. More drivers would be a better option than new fleets of buses, I honestly don't care what colour seat I'm sitting in, as long as it gets me there.



Another one for the letters page in the Star:thumbsup:
IM sorry you had to wait (Honest) :sad:

Originally posted by noseyrosie
[B]Don't get me started on buses... but you have, so...

I live in Meersbrook, Chesterfield Road area, the buses (25a,53)are reasonable into town most days (apart from very early mornings when they just don't appear),


They will be running!
Its just most of them will be in the Woodseats CRAWL

:mad:

I use the 83 route from Stannington, in a period of 10 days 4 days had a bus missing and 3 days the bus was at least 40 mins late, this is common and what's worst is that about 4-6 82 buses go past before mine.

Originally posted by Mr BusDriver
Ok let me answer your questions:D

(1) It takes a WHOLE day to train around 12 Drivers at a time, this is due to 2 tests having to be took (H&SE & Bus companys ).
You now have a situation:confused: Do you take 12 drivers off the road for a day to train them which of couse means that 12 buses will not run, or do you leave them to drive the buses but then they will not be able to operate the low floor:confused:



Thanks for your reply.

Just wanted to check this before posting.

Under the Disabilty Discrimination Act (DDA) any public transport company that provides a service accesable to disabled people (this cover buses, coaches, trams, trains and taxis) MUST ensure that these are available at all times, and ALL staff that use them be trained by the end of 2004. All public transport systems must ensure that any vechicle that is not accesable must do so by end of 2006 hence the fleet replacment to low floor.

I understand about taking drivers off the road, but tell that to the wheelchair user that needs that bus. if you train 12 drivers per day over 300 days a year = 3600 drivers. how many drivers work for 1st???

First's investment in the fleet, will keep them the largest company in sheffield, because as the deadline draws near and the smaller companies can't afford to replace their fleet, first will poach those routes.

btw if it takes a day what they teach you, it only took me two days to learn how to use a cherry picker and extendable platfom...

Jubby

Ah, that reminds me of RVAR (Rail vehicle Accessibility regulations) which is related to the DDA. From what I've read whoever wrote them lacked common sense or understanding of the industry.

For example, on new trains there is a scrolly message thing telling you where the train is going etc which benefits those who are hard of hearing as it acts as a visual announcement. Now under RVAR it is illegal for a train to go into service off depot with this out of order. However it does not specify what constitutes a depot, which means just some siding with a petrol pump at the end of a rural branch line counts as a depot, so if the only train has a broken scrolly message thing with no means of repairing it the train has to be cancelled, leaving everyone stranded, including the deaf person that may or may not exist (who could have quite easily travelled safely without a scrolly message thing).

If that is the only train scheduled for several hours then the train company will normally lay on a replacement bus service, but does that have a scrolly message thing fitted? no, but it is still allowed to operate as lower standards apply.....

Clearly we should be ensuring public transport services should be accessible to those with special needs who deserve the freedom to be able to go out and about under their own steam and of course operators should have guidelines as to what is required of them, however prescriptive regulations should be thought through properly, be designed to be practical and not as the above example create situations where those it is meant to help are worse off.

Going back to low floor buses there is of course another issue. Say we have a perfectly working bus with a fully trained and enthusiastic driver, the wheelchair user still cannot get on or off unless the bus pulls right into the curb so the step is over the pavement, but in many cases a car has parked in the bus stop so the bus cannot do this. These motorists should be clamped down on.

Originally posted by duffman
I use the 83 route from Stannington, in a period of 10 days 4 days had a bus missing and 3 days the bus was at least 40 mins late, this is common and what's worst is that about 4-6 82 buses go past before mine.

Oh wow! Another Stannington resident besides me! :)

And I know what you mean about the 83s, the service is rubbish, too infrequent and unreliable.

[Originally posted by jubby .

I understand about taking drivers off the road, but tell that to the wheelchair user that needs that bus. if you train 12 drivers per day over 300 days a year = 3600 drivers. how many drivers work for 1st???

in sheffield, because as the deadline draws near and the smaller companies can't afford to replace their fleet, first will poach those routes.

Jubby

(1) there are just over 3000 drivers, however there is at least 50-100 drivers leaving a certen depot in Sheffield each WEEK because they have just had enough!
And at present there is a shortage of instuctors to teach them (most out on the road driving)

(2) as for you last point First will not poach there route because of 2 reasons
(1) There is only 4 bus depot's in South Yorkshire, Doncaster,Rotherham,Olive Grove & Halfway and there all full to bursting with buses due to the shutting down of all other depots.
And of course who would drive the buses?

Glad so see on the News tonight that Sheffield Was 5th Bottom in the whole of the UK in it's delivery of Transport in Sheffield!
Now we might get somewhere:D

Originally posted by Rich
Oh wow! Another Stannington resident besides me! :)

And I know what you mean about the 83s, the service is rubbish, too infrequent and unreliable.

Dont ring up to ask them where the bus is?
You will probably get a answer of "Walk down to the 82 stop"
Did you know that the 83's are a limited service?.

Thats right once every day:mad:

Like prevous post on this subject: Im sorry your buses do not turn up, if we could be there we would be:sad:

what about the long lost bus routes, the good old 49 from town to wordsworth avenue the 79 and 89 circulars you used to get from bridge street, the 53 before they re-routed it to timbukto via the moon( a packed lunch is advised if you intend travelling the entire length of this route) the 271 sheffield to upton and the X68 to penistone ,a good one if you missed all other options after a night on the razz?

Why don't First follow the example of the bus companies in Nottingham and stop routes going through the city centre? If all buses went into the interchange it would mean that passengers could change easily if neccessary. That way if there is a traffic problem in one part of the city, passengers waiting across the other side of the city aren't affected.

The problem in Stannington though is that the bus companies clearly think that Stannington ends at the terminus near the Hall Park Head flats.... Well it doesn't, in fact it only starts there, the area of Stannington goes right up to the top of Uppergate Road past the Crown and Glove pub before the road goes further up and into what's classed as Derbyshire.

Originally posted by Andy C


Going back to low floor buses there is of course another issue. Say we have a perfectly working bus with a fully trained and enthusiastic driver, the wheelchair user still cannot get on or off unless the bus pulls right into the curb so the step is over the pavement, but in many cases a car has parked in the bus stop so the bus cannot do this. These motorists should be clamped down on.

I Agree with you on that one. Maybe Mr BusDriver can confirm this, but I am under the impression the knelling buses can kneel to ground level or at least to near ground level than the ramp can be employed for the rest of the way. Of course if it is a narrow road that a lot of our buses run on where their is only room for a parked car on one side and the bus (or other traffic) on the other this would still prove difficult. Every one who parks in a bus stop should be fined. Unfortanly money is the only way we will change these people (except the very rich who can afford the fines no problem) This is why I agree with Meadowhall clamping driver who parkin the disabled bay. Yes it still takes up a space but the £40 they have to pay and the aggro it takes to unclamp them may make them think next time.

I have another question for Mr BusDriver, what happens if a wheelchair user gets on becuase the driver is trained then that driver changes drivers to one who isn't trained to use the ramp what happen to the wheelchair passenger??????

Jubby

Originally posted by Mr BusDriver


(2) as for you last point First will not poach there route because of 2 reasons
(1) There is only 4 bus depot's in South Yorkshire, Doncaster,Rotherham,Olive Grove & Halfway and there all full to bursting with buses due to the shutting down of all other depots.
And of course who would drive the buses? [/B]


In that case it will just mean less bus routes.

Originally posted by Flying Duck
Why don't First follow the example of the bus companies in Nottingham and stop routes going through the city centre? If all buses went into the interchange it would mean that passengers could change easily if neccessary. That way if there is a traffic problem in one part of the city, passengers waiting across the other side of the city aren't affected.

The only problem with that is the Interchange is not in a central location. What if you need Fargate, High Street, the Moor???

Is it not the case that Fargate, High Street and The Moor are in 5 and 10 minute, if that, walking distance respectively from the Interchange?

Use your legs folk, or they might drop off.

Originally posted by Rich
Is it not the case that Fargate, High Street and The Moor are in 5 and 10 minute, if that, walking distance respectively from the Interchange?

Use your legs folk, or they might drop off.

I have mobility problems and also have two disabled children The Moor for me is at least 15-20 mins walk from the interchange at that is to the top of the moor (McD's). Try doing that with a double pushchair and shopping as well.

When I worked near the moor to do what you say would mean leaving for 30 mins early and getting home 30 later (thats if the buses are ok...lol)

One of the worst things they ever did was make high street leopold street etc one way. It means you HAVE to walk from Arundel Gate to get to say Cole Brothers and that's only easy if you are able bodied.

Jubby

Originally posted by jubby
[B]The only problem with that is the Interchange is not in a central location. What if you need Fargate, High Street, the Moor???

Did you see on the news that Sheffield came 5th bottom in the UK for its delivery of Transport:mad:

If those idiot's at S.Y.P.T.E had any brains they would fund & bring back the service 500 City Clipper.
:loopy:

But of course this is Sheffield we allways lag behind:mad:

Originally posted by jubby
I Agree with you on that one. Maybe Mr BusDriver can confirm this, but I am under the impression the knelling buses can kneel to ground level or at least to near ground level than the ramp can be employed for the rest of the way. Of course if it is a narrow road that a lot of our buses run on where their is only room for a parked car on one side and the bus (or other traffic) on the other this would still prove difficult. Every one who parks in a bus stop should be fined. Unfortanly money is the only way we will change these people (except the very rich who can afford the fines no problem) This is why I agree with Meadowhall clamping driver who parkin the disabled bay. Yes it still takes up a space but the £40 they have to pay and the aggro it takes to unclamp them may make them think next time.

I have another question for Mr BusDriver, what happens if a wheelchair user gets on becuase the driver is trained then that driver changes drivers to one who isn't trained to use the ramp what happen to the wheelchair passenger??????

Jubby


Hello Jubby :wave:

Let me try and answer your question in 1.

The next time you get on a low floor bus (If it turns up?) you will see that when you first step on the platform in the top left hand corner on the floor there is a handel, this is used to fold this section so it come's out ward towards the pavement, however H&SE law states that a drive can not do this unless he has got his hazzard warning lights on & has turn the engine off.

The problem come when there is no curb there ( Eg Parked cars) in this situation what I would ask the person that I could not get the bus near the stop and that they have the following options.
(1) The floor is lowerd so that the person can alight the bus SAFLEY on the road

(2) You ask the person if they do't mind if you move the bus along until you find a space on which to lower the floor.

(3) Or this is the worst, You have to take the preson to the next availble stop.

I have just been told that the company policy is changing soon, and NEW drivers are to be Ramp-Trained the week after passing there test.

Hope this help

Any other questions just ask OK :thumbsup:

[i]Originally posted by gizmo
what about the long lost bus routes, the good old 49 from town to wordsworth avenue the 79 and 89 circulars you used to get from bridge street, the 53 before they re-routed it to timbukto via the moon( a packed lunch is advised if you intend travelling the entire length of this route) the 271 sheffield to upton and the X68 to penistone ,a good one if you missed all other options after a night on the razz?

This is what happens when you close bus depot's down:loopy:

The route 79&89 were sort of replace by the exstention of route 31/32.
You will find that buses that ran 15-20 years back are still running but they have been conected with another service to do a Cross-City route

As for the route 53 I know it well (oops let the cat out of the bag) you could not bring your packed lunch as it would go everywhere when we go over those stupid speed humps on Southey Green Road!

As for Services like the X68 & 271, S.Y.P.T.E would rather spend X amound of money people washing the bus shelters than provinding a funded bus service! :loopy:

Originally posted by Flying Duck
Why don't First follow the example of the bus companies in Nottingham and stop routes going through the city centre? If all buses went into the interchange it would mean that passengers could change easily if neccessary. That way if there is a traffic problem in one part of the city, passengers waiting across the other side of the city aren't affected.

Because the answer you have just given is common sence need I say more:loopy:

[Originally posted by Andy C

Clearly we should be ensuring public transport services should be accessible to those with special needs who deserve the freedom to be able to go out and about under their own steam and of course operators should have guidelines as to what is required of them, however prescriptive regulations should be thought through properly, be designed to be practical and not as the above example create situations where those it is meant to help are worse off.


Im Getting off the subject a bit here Andy but Iam sure you will agree that this does not apply at Dore station nor has this been applyed when getting on a Sheffield Midland -Manchester "Slow" train, for 1hr and 20min trip to Manchester on a "Nodding Donkey class 142 railbus"

Originally posted by jubby
I have mobility problems and also have two disabled children The Moor for me is at least 15-20 mins walk from the interchange at that is to the top of the moor (McD's). Try doing that with a double pushchair and shopping as well.

When I worked near the moor to do what you say would mean leaving for 30 mins early and getting home 30 later (thats if the buses are ok...lol)

One of the worst things they ever did was make high street leopold street etc one way. It means you HAVE to walk from Arundel Gate to get to say Cole Brothers and that's only easy if you are able bodied.

Jubby

Sorry man, I should sympathise as I too have mobility problems, not wheelchair bound, although in some ways I'd be better off if I were, then getting money out of the DSS wouldn't be likened to getting blood out of a stone etc.... sorry, I'm ranting, I do that a lot lately... :(

I do see your point though, the old clippers were handy, 'tis a shame they're gone :(

Well, the Pacer Railbuses that First Northwestern generally use on local services were built and refurbished before the current RVAR regulations came into being so are not really affected.

However what about Transpennine Express services that call at Dore when the new Desiro diesels start operating? OK, this is probably a bad example as there is a depot in Manchester, fitters based in Sheffield and plans to build a depot at Cleethorpes, but in this example if the train hadn't been scheduled to visit a depot the night before, just fuel and park in the sidings at Sheffield overnight, it is possible that a fault from the day before may still exist with the scrolly message thing that does the visual announcements, and due to RVAR classing the fueling point as a depot, it would mean a cancellation as it would be illegal to put that train into service, leaving the potential deaf person stranded at Dore, an unstaffed station, I'm sure that deaf person would rather the train turn up without the scrolly message thing working than not at all. Especially as the next alternative train would probably be a local stopping service that is not fitted with a scrolly message thing anyway.

Whilst we are talking wheelchair users I would point out that it is possible to travel from Dore to Sheffield by train, as all First Northwestern trains have portable wheelchair ramps (on Pacers they are stowed next to the bicycle area) and Dore only having one platform allows level access from car park to platform. Then at Sheffield there are lifts, so bingo. And those confined to wheelchairs get a discount on certain fares too.

At this point I would add that when we are talking accessibility for the disabled, don't forget that we are not just talking wheelchair users, we are also talking those that are partially sighted or blind, those that are deaf, those that cannot walk far or unsteady on their feet, those with one of many kinds of mental disorders, plus various other conditions that I cannot think of right now.

If you bear the above in mind then have a look around one of the newest trains, such as the Virgin Voyager, you will notice that there are both audio and visual announcements before, at and after each station, priority seats with extra leg room, doors that are painted to stand out from the rest of the train, signage in braille, extruding door open buttons, wheelchair spaces, wheelchair accessible toilets, panic buttons, brightly coloured vestibules etc.

Originally posted by Mr BusDriver
Dont ring up to ask them where the bus is?
You will probably get a answer of "Walk down to the 82 stop"
Did you know that the 83's are a limited service?.

Thats right once every day:mad:

Like prevous post on this subject: Im sorry your buses do not turn up, if we could be there we would be:sad:

Some times I do ring up.... but at the risk of sounding like a cheapskate, it costs me 20p a minute on my mobile, and having to ring up the main number which is based in Rotherham and has one of those annoying queue systems, which usually ends up taking me at LEAST 5 minutes to finally get to talk to someone, it ain't very good in my opinion.

What gripes me though is how come the 82s are almost literally 10 a penny, when the 83s, meh, there's only about 4 in the whole city I think?!

Sorry to be telling you off, I know it's not specifically YOUR fault.

Originally posted by Mr BusDriver
Hello Jubby :wave:

Let me try and answer your question in 1.

The next time you get on a low floor bus (If it turns up?) you will see that when you first step on the platform in the top left hand corner on the floor there is a handel, this is used to fold this section so it come's out ward towards the pavement, however H&SE law states that a drive can not do this unless he has got his hazzard warning lights on & has turn the engine off.

The problem come when there is no curb there ( Eg Parked cars) in this situation what I would ask the person that I could not get the bus near the stop and that they have the following options.
(1) The floor is lowerd so that the person can alight the bus SAFLEY on the road

(2) You ask the person if they do't mind if you move the bus along until you find a space on which to lower the floor.

(3) Or this is the worst, You have to take the preson to the next availble stop.

I have just been told that the company policy is changing soon, and NEW drivers are to be Ramp-Trained the week after passing there test.

Hope this help

Any other questions just ask OK :thumbsup:

Thanks for that - why can't or least a lot more bus drivers be like you???

Re company policy, that will have had to change because of the DDA, not becuase first want to. And quite frankly this is the best time, becuase they haven't been assigned a route yet so build that training into their training schedule.

Originally posted by Mr BusDriver
This is what happens when you close bus depot's down:loopy:

The route 79&89 were sort of replace by the exstention of route 31/32.
You will find that buses that ran 15-20 years back are still running but they have been conected with another service to do a Cross-City route

As for the route 53 I know it well (oops let the cat out of the bag) you could not bring your packed lunch as it would go everywhere when we go over those stupid speed humps on Southey Green Road!

As for Services like the X68 & 271, S.Y.P.T.E would rather spend X amound of money people washing the bus shelters than provinding a funded bus service! :loopy:

Its not just first that merge bus routes. The 49 & 49A are a combination of the 10, 127 and 49 routes merged tohave 2 cross city routes.

Originally posted by Rich
Sorry man, I should sympathise as I too have mobility problems, not wheelchair bound, although in some ways I'd be better off if I were, then getting money out of the DSS wouldn't be likened to getting blood out of a stone etc.... sorry, I'm ranting, I do that a lot lately... :(

I do see your point though, the old clippers were handy, 'tis a shame they're gone :(

They were brill more cause they were free as well. Am I right first do a 20p ticket for city centre travel??? Or has this been scraped???

Originally posted by Andy C
At this point I would add that when we are talking accessibility for the disabled, don't forget that we are not just talking wheelchair users, we are also talking those that are partially sighted or blind, those that are deaf, those that cannot walk far or unsteady on their feet, those with one of many kinds of mental disorders, plus various other conditions that I cannot think of right now.

If you bear the above in mind then have a look around one of the newest trains, such as the Virgin Voyager, you will notice that there are both audio and visual announcements before, at and after each station, priority seats with extra leg room, doors that are painted to stand out from the rest of the train, signage in braille, extruding door open buttons, wheelchair spaces, wheelchair accessible toilets, panic buttons, brightly coloured vestibules etc.

I agree that people do get sidetracked that when talk about disabled we jusy think about wheelchair bound people, or the eldery.
The new Virgin trains are an example to all transport systems how to provide access to all.
When I used to sell train tickets on the phone you be sursprised how many people phoned wanting to book the wheelchair space for their pram!!!

Also can I point out to people mostly bus drivers that the large maclaren mobility buggies are wheelchairs not oversized pushchairs. I have been asked in the past to fold my "pushchair" to allow a wheelchair on. An argument resulted with myself and the busdriver to which he treatened to drive me to the depot to have me be told by an inspector to fold the chair up. He didn't mostly because I said it would be a scandel to force a disabled child out of the mobility buggy on a crowded bus (route #48).

This is an example why Mr Busdriver is a different breed to other busdrivers.

Jubby

Originally posted by jubby
Its not just first that merge bus routes. The 49 & 49A are a combination of the 10, 127 and 49 routes merged tohave 2 cross city routes.

I get you point jubby but the original 49 ran from snig hill to monteney crescent via penistone road,never touched darnal.

the original 127 ran from parson cross to crystal peaks,that was a good cross city service(terrier)

ive tought of a worse service than the 53 too, try the 97A for a truly mind bending journey or for you white knuckle riders the 31 after 6 on a nipper,do they specially train the 31 drivers in the art of fitting square pegs into round holes?:loopy:

Originally posted by gizmo
I get you point jubby but the original 49 ran from snig hill to monteney crescent via penistone road,never touched darnal.

the original 127 ran from parson cross to crystal peaks,that was a good cross city service(terrier)

ive tought of a worse service than the 53 too, try the 97A for a truly mind bending journey or for you white knuckle riders the 31 after 6 on a nipper,do they specially train the 31 drivers in the art of fitting square pegs into round holes?:loopy:

It doesn't even go to darnell any more.

The 49 I know went city to herdings.

Now the 49 goes parson cross (colly area #10 route) to heardings and the 49A goes parson cross (lindsay area #127) to heardings but ask travel line which terrier bus to get to lindsay avenue they would just say 49/49A just like as which on first bus to John O'Gaut on Blackstock Road, Gleadless Valley and they would say 47/48. This is where the bus service in sheffield really fails us. Duff information form the one place you get it from!!! It will greatly improve when they get this right. When the bus timetables changed the other month on a lot of routes, they din't know until the timetables came into their information (sic) centres, which was the friday two days before the timetable change.

Jubby

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Originally posted by jubby
They were brill more cause they were free as well. Am I right first do a 20p ticket for city centre travel??? Or has this been scraped???

I know Yorkshire Terrier do the 20p fare within town but I'm not sure about First Mainline, you'll have to ask MrBusDriver.

Originally posted by Mr BusDriver
:) How Long Did you have to wait for your bus this week?.
With Sheffield Bus drivers the lowest paid in the whole of First Group (About 165-00p/w) there is a large shortage of drivers.

Which is the Worst bus route in Sheffield and Why?.

I'd be interested to know the following:

Do you remember the bus wars in Sheffield quite a few years back and what is your opinion on them?

Originally posted by jubby

Also can I point out to people mostly bus drivers that the large maclaren mobility buggies are wheelchairs not oversized pushchairs. I have been asked in the past to fold my "pushchair" to allow a wheelchair on. An argument resulted with myself and the busdriver to which he treatened to drive me to the depot to have me be told by an inspector to fold the chair up. He didn't mostly because I said it would be a scandel to force a disabled child out of the mobility buggy on a crowded bus (route #48).

This is an example why Mr Busdriver is a different breed to other busdrivers.

Jubby [/B]

Sorry about that situation with your pram:sad:

I hope you will agree on this next coment when I say that Passengers who have wheelchairs & maclarren mobility buggies have a bad time trying to get on a low floor bus anyway.

And why?

Because the bus is allready full of 15&16 year old teen girls with 2 or more kids in PRAMS in a atempt to get more money out of the DHSS!:mad:

When I was in a pram my mum used to fold it up and have me out before the bus came.
Too Bloody Idle these teen mums today:mad:

Originally posted by Rich
[B

What gripes me though is how come the 82s are almost literally 10 a penny, when the 83s, meh, there's only about 4 in the whole city I think?!

Sorry to be telling you off, I know it's not specifically YOUR fault. [/B]

Hello Rich:wave:

Its good you have a good moan about the 83's that is what this post is all about:thumbsup:

Ok the situation with Stanington is that because there is a large OAP area at Hall Park Head then this is classed at Stanington

Anything above the High-Rise flats area (Sportsman pub I think its called just above?) the area is Stanington Village, if Stannington Village had a large OAP area then they would move the main bus termimus to Nethergate.

As for ringing up (Ha-Ha:D )

We have to ring the same number as you if we need to pass on a message Eg not coming into work.
The phone number I have is (01709 566360)

Its the 21st Century and you have to ring a Rotherham Number to get in touch with a Sheffield Depot:loopy:

Originally posted by Rich
I know Yorkshire Terrier do the 20p fare within town but I'm not sure about First Mainline, you'll have to ask MrBusDriver.

Yes First South Yorkshire, or what ever we are called this week do still used the 20p City Zone fare + the 50p outer city zone.

I know what is coming next
:mad:
Where can I use it.

the 20p zone is anywhere in the city centre Eg. inside the Ring Road zone
& the 50p is to the next stop outside this zone.

There SHOULD be a map on each bus unless the driver has had to use the back of the carboard to make a sign:thumbsup:

Originally posted by Lickszz
I'd be interested to know the following:

Do you remember the bus wars in Sheffield quite a few years back and what is your opinion on them?

It was Great for the passengers:thumbsup:

All these little bus companys on the big boys routes, the passengers had a great choice that is how it should be:thumbsup:

Originally posted by Mr BusDriver
It was Great for the passengers:thumbsup:

All these little bus companys on the big boys routes, the passengers had a great choice that is how it should be:thumbsup:

At the time though I seem to remember many angered letters in the star relating to dangers and congestion on high street. Were drivers encouraged to race other buses to pick up passengers etc?

Originally posted by Mr BusDriver

Its the 21st Century and you have to ring a Rotherham Number to get in touch with a Sheffield Depot:loopy:

I understand that the use of a Rotherham number is so that everyone in South Yorkshire can contact Mainline (and the SYPTE Travel Line - also a Rotherham number) at local call rates

Hello Mrbusdriver:wave:

I use the 83 from Stannington and I seem to notice whem i'm going to work I pass a residential home for elderly people in "the village" plus close to it is a small estate of flats with the majority of residents o/65, so how the company gets the idea there isn't a large population in the top half of Stannington beats me:loopy:

Also I know it's not your fault but you may be able to explain why first have taken the saturday service from 4 buses an hour to 3, made them all 83A service and think this is a better option for the passengers?

The First/Mainline 29 service from Penistone to Sheffield Interchange is a service I use every morning, picking it up in Chapeltown at 7:30. Now its mostly on time but the bus is one of those tiny rural link things and its always full to bursting with passengers and consequently people have to stand up.

I also use the 60 in a morning which I can't complain about too much, around 8am its pretty much on time.

I use the 51 to get back into the City Centre in the evening and its terrible. They are hardly ever on time or worst case they don't even turn up. The 52 service ammuses me tho. You could get run over by a 52 and there would be two sets of tyre marks on you they are so frequent.

Don't eve get me started on the state of the rail system :loopy: :D

Originally posted by MrHelicopter
I understand that the use of a Rotherham number is so that everyone in South Yorkshire can contact Mainline (and the SYPTE Travel Line - also a Rotherham number) at local call rates

What retarded logic do they work that out by?! Even a complete idiot knows that Sheffield to Rotherham, although granted it's not far, is by no means what the average Sheffielder would class as LOCAL.

Originally posted by Rich
What retarded logic do they work that out by?! Even a complete idiot knows that Sheffield to Rotherham, although granted it's not far, is by no means what the average Sheffielder would class as LOCAL.

You can call people in neighbouring telephone areas at the cost of a local call. So people in Sheffield can ring Rotherham numbers and only pay the local rate. That's why bus enquiries is in Rotherham.

Originally posted by Mr BusDriver
Hello Rich:wave:

Its good you have a good moan about the 83's that is what this post is all about:thumbsup:

Ok the situation with Stanington is that because there is a large OAP area at Hall Park Head then this is classed at Stanington

Anything above the High-Rise flats area (Sportsman pub I think its called just above?) the area is Stanington Village, if Stannington Village had a large OAP area then they would move the main bus termimus to Nethergate.

As for ringing up (Ha-Ha:D )

We have to ring the same number as you if we need to pass on a message Eg not coming into work.
The phone number I have is (01709 566360)




Its the 21st Century and you have to ring a Rotherham Number to get in touch with a Sheffield Depot:loopy:

I know the majority of the residents of that entire estate, right from Liberty Hill to the Hall Park Head flats is primarily populated by old folk, and they need the buses more, and I also see your point about the area above the Sportsman being classed as the Village..... And the majority of times I do walk from home just off Acorn Hill to get the 83 from the Sportsman, but one time I waited over 20 minutes for a bus, cos I think I'd just missed one when I got there or something, and another time I was waiting over HALF AN HOUR at the stop by the College on Wood Lane for a bus, in the freezing cold, if I hadn't been determined to go town specifically to get something I would decided sod it and gone home, this was waiting for the 83 or 83a.

It's the same in town though, if you just miss one you could be up to half an hour waiting for another, yet the 82s come and there's usually 2 or 3 behind each other. I could get on the 82 to come home but it doesn't come far enough up for me to walk home as I have mobility difficulties and it's a struggle to walk to and from the Sportsman never mind walking up Liberty Hill past the Turnbull and then walking up Stannington Road to the Sportsman etc.

Originally posted by Mr BusDriver
Sorry about that situation with your pram:sad:

I hope you will agree on this next coment when I say that Passengers who have wheelchairs & maclarren mobility buggies have a bad time trying to get on a low floor bus anyway.

And why?

Because the bus is allready full of 15&16 year old teen girls with 2 or more kids in PRAMS in a atempt to get more money out of the DHSS!:mad:

When I was in a pram my mum used to fold it up and have me out before the bus came.
Too Bloody Idle these teen mums today:mad:

Can't get a folded pram on the bus these days no room with the Metro holder taking up all the "luggage" Rack....

Originally posted by Rich
I know the majority of the residents of that entire estate, right from Liberty Hill to the Hall Park Head flats is primarily populated by old folk, and they need the buses more, and I also see your point about the area above the Sportsman being classed as the Village..... And the majority of times I do walk from home just off Acorn Hill to get the 83 from the Sportsman, but one time I waited over 20 minutes for a bus, cos I think I'd just missed one when I got there or something, and another time I was waiting over HALF AN HOUR at the stop by the College on Wood Lane for a bus, in the freezing cold, if I hadn't been determined to go town specifically to get something I would decided sod it and gone home, this was waiting for the 83 or 83a.

It's the same in town though, if you just miss one you could be up to half an hour waiting for another, yet the 82s come and there's usually 2 or 3 behind each other. I could get on the 82 to come home but it doesn't come far enough up for me to walk home as I have mobility difficulties and it's a struggle to walk to and from the Sportsman never mind walking up Liberty Hill past the Turnbull and then walking up Stannington Road to the Sportsman etc.


It may seem a silly idea:loopy: , but the simple idea would be to re-route some of the 82's.

If some of the 82's called into Hall-Park-Head first and then came out and when up to Nethergate, and the coming back they called into Hall-Park-Head then everyone would be happy:thumbsup: