Okay I think I'll stir it!! :D
I'm getting sick and tired of people moaning about buses being late!! Sure if you live on a rural route and you've gotta wait an hour for the next bus if you miss the first one, I can understand people moaning but come on if a bus is five minutes late then give them a break!!
You wanna know why their late??
Its all because theres a shortage of drivers so some services have had to be thinned out. And they can't get drivers because of the crappy conditions they have to work in.

Okay I'm gonna moan now . . .
My dad's a bus driver ( thats why it seems I'm being biased ) and while he was working for First Mainline he had loads of trouble. His bus was shot at with an air rifle three times, he had urine thrown on him, the windows on his bus were broken about eleven times, he had a laser pen shone at him, he's been threatened with physical assault . . . the list is endless!! And he only worked there for four months and this type of thing went on almost everyday!!

Some of the other drivers have been held up at knifepoint, beaten up, stabbed . . . One guy was slashed with a knife over a measly 40p fare!! Sure just let anyone on, but if you do that you still get abuse.
Also someone up crookes complained about bus drivers leaving there engines running at the bus stop. Erm excuse me why did you buy a house at the side of the bus stop then?? :loopy: Eejit!!
If your a minute early leaving the stop you get abuse. If your on time you get abuse. So what the hell do you do??

I know some bus drivers are genuine gits but just forget about them. After having a day like that would'nt you guys be grumpy??

I only have praise for the drivers. I am a registerd blind person and use the buses alot. They are very good with me and also my blind friends. I always thank them when getting off, i think curtasy means alot. You will never altar some of society to the way thay act. Lets hope the bad passingers get there just rewards.

Originally posted by New Age
Also someone up crookes complained about bus drivers leaving there engines running at the bus stop. Erm excuse me why did you buy a house at the side of the bus stop then??

The Crookes bus stop may be the terminus, where the driver is supposed to switch his engine off.

yeah its a timing point too which means that they don't have to switch the engine off.

I was a bus driver and during my time (3 Years) I was spat at, verbally abused, pelted with eggs, had a milkshake thrown at me, drove clapped out wrecks that should have been scrapped 10 years ago and eventually got scared to go to work on a late shift. Bus drivers deserve £10 an hour and most of all .......RESPECT.

Hi

I agree. I use a lot of buses and sure, some of the drivers are miserable, but so would I be, doing that job in those conditions.

It makes my journey nicer when I come across a friendly driver who'll have a laugh or a joke, but all I really need is someone to drive the bus.

I'm eternally grateful to those who provide public transport otherwise I'd be stuck.

Yeah sometimes they're late, or early, and always that seems to be when you're in a rush, but really for me to be able to get from one end of the city to the other for 40p who am I to complain.

And unless a driver has been particularly rude I *always* say thank you as I get off, which I notice fewer and fewer people do. It just seems to be a courtesy to me to do that. S/he's done me a favour (I know it's his or her job, but without them I'd be stranded) and got me from A to B safely without crashing, of course they deserve my thanks.

hi
i agree completly my husband used to drive the 52 for 6 months, but had to give up as the attacks on drivers rose, and the low pay very poor working conditions and general stress that went with the job only got worse.
the standard of bus's in sheffield is generally very high compared to many other cities i have visited in the uk.
my husband was on £5.40 an hour worked horrendous shifts, got daily verbal abuse, had light fireworks thrown on his bus, a police escort once just to finish his run and witneesed another driver being stabbed
the general public who moan and complain but never say thank u to a driver should spending at least one day drivinga bus its no fun

i agree with everyone about the abuse stuff, there really are some t**ts out there.


but (please dont go beserk) when i wait for a bus on crookes the usual story is that i wait for 15 mins then 2 appear! if, as i regularly do, i go to the walkley bus stop and walk up passed the termanus and see three 52 busses leave at the same time, i can understand that when its about 4:30 (rush hour on way back) but normally - whats the point guys??-. they could actually leave maybe every 6 mins when they're suposed to, to get some reguallity in the service.

i do respect all the public transport workers because some of the people that are in my school are abusive and w****s sometimes. in the winter it just gets worse and worse. (when it snows people throw snowballs inside the bus at the public!). I got on a 51 at the end of school one day and and a kid only had 30p to get a 35p fare and bus driver refused to let him on and so the kid got his mates to stand there and hold the bus driver while the kid spat at him!! and then stayed on the bus. - the kid wasnt too happy when the police pulled up behind the bus and took hiom away-. served him right

i as a frequent user of the services always say a "cheers mate" or "thanks" as i get off.

so in conclusion i respect the bus drivers totally, but can you get the timing right?? ( you also may not get as much abuse)

SORRY IF I HAVE OFFENDED ANYONE!!

I'm always polite to bus drivers except if they are stroppy with me. I understand it's a bad job, who doesn't have a bad job? but some of them are just downright rude and could really do with some customer service lessons.

Also regarding late buses I have to say that usually I can put up with a 5-10 minute lateness but Monday morning took the biscuit. I waited 1 hour for a bus which should run every 8 or 15 minutes.
I arrived at work 45 minutes late through no fault of my own.

I contacted first who suprisingly haven't been polite enough to respond. I basically said I understand there are staffing issues etc..but don't they think it would be wiser to change the timetables instead of advertising a service which isn't there? If I knew my bus was 1 every hour then I would make arrangments to get the right bus but when you're stood at the bust stop at 8am waiting for the 5 past 8 which doesn't come till 9am, you get pretty annoyed.

My dad's a happy bus driver!! Willing to have a laugh and joke!! Not all bus drivers are miserable. Don't tar them all with the same brush, guys!!
Chloé

i dont no whether its me but do some of the bus drivers in sheffield have an attitude problem. when u get on a bus and pay them the fare if its not the exact amount they look at u in disgust. its as if they r doing u a massive favour by taking your money, they seem quite a miserable lot who dont seem 2 enjoy there work which i suppose a lot of us dont. im not saying they r all like this as some r quitr cheerful esp the female ones

Is it safe for a bus driver to count his 10 pences whilst driving the bus? I've seen them doing it. :loopy:

hmm, u don't know you're born.

I rememnber the old, sealed, red fare boxes to which the driver had no access, save for a viewing window to see the value of the coins droipped in. On this box, and also on the window of the bus was a sticker "Exact Fare Only".

Squiggs, we still use them here in Canada, they also have the 'correct change' sticker on them. We have had exact fare system for at least 40 years!

How would you know the fare, though? They're not printed in the timetables or one notices at the bus stop (which are often vandalised anyway).

Why not bring back conductors on they bust routes to look after fares and let the driver concentrate on driving? Look how well having conducto

they still have those in birmingham. You know the fare because all journeys cost a set amount, or you tell the driver where you're going and he tells you the fare.

Yeah in Brighton they have a £1 system.
Any journey...no matter the distance is just £1... so from Brighton to Eastbourne = £1 (nice).

Brighton Palace Pier to Brighton/Hove Angel = £1 (no sot good).

However the system works though!

Forgot to mention, all fares are two dollars for adults, dollar seventyfive for kids and seniors. We also have several kinds of bus passes, so we don't touch the money, the fare box is emptied every night. As for passengers, we have had all the problems you have in Sheffield, but all buses have 2-way radios, police response is very fast, and there is a large fire-extinguisher down by the driver's seat! We don't have a lot of trouble with gangs, most of them are Vietnamese, they all drive around town in their tricked out Honda Civics (Rice Rockets) and they never ride the buses. A couple of sub-divisions (Estates) are problem areas, but the trouble usually stays in the area, so, if you drive a bus that doesn't go there, no problems.
From what I am reading on this forum, Sheffield seems to be a lot worse place to live than the time I lived there (1939-1963), but I suppose there a lot worse places to live?

Originally posted by New Age
Okay I think I'll stir it!! :D
I'm getting sick and tired of people moaning about buses being late!! Sure if you live on a rural route and you've gotta wait an hour for the next bus if you miss the first one, I can understand people moaning but come on if a bus is five minutes late then give them a break!!


Unfortunately one bus being five minutes late can make you miss a conection and your whole journey can be lenghened by anything up to an hour.

You have many good points about all the things bus drivers have to put up with, yet as a consumer this is not the issue. You need to remember that a bus journey should always be compared with a car journey in terms of how good it is for customers (you know, the people who ultimately pay a driver's wages). If buses could be genuinely better than cars so well and good. If they are not people have a right to moan.

Just as a seperate point; why do so many bus drivers seem so grudging about accepting an Off-Peak Travelmaster pass. They cost £7.75 per week. Surley it wouldn't hurt the driver to accept the pass with good grace.

Still, I take your point; not all bus problems are the drivers fault.

One of the routes to be badly affected by staff cuts is the 33/34 to Hemesford. After 5 it's every hour rather than every 20 minutes. It sucks when one doesn't turn up you have to then walk to another stop and wait another half an hour. Quite often they just run the one bus after 5 which means either waiting another hour or whether your prepared to take a gamble of the other one turning up at the other stop:s. Apparently the route is so bad because the bus company says that everyone in that area has cars lol. Funny when the bus is often full.

Originally posted by oldtimer
Forgot to mention, all fares are two dollars for adults, dollar seventyfive for kids and seniors. We also have several kinds of bus passes, so we don't touch the money, the fare box is emptied every night. As for passengers, we have had all the problems you have in Sheffield, but all buses have 2-way radios, police response is very fast, and there is a large fire-extinguisher down by the driver's seat! We don't have a lot of trouble with gangs, most of them are Vietnamese, they all drive around town in their tricked out Honda Civics (Rice Rockets) and they never ride the buses. A couple of sub-divisions (Estates) are problem areas, but the trouble usually stays in the area, so, if you drive a bus that doesn't go there, no problems.
From what I am reading on this forum, Sheffield seems to be a lot worse place to live than the time I lived there (1939-1963), but I suppose there a lot worse places to live?

I dunno..I can imagine living in Sheffield during the years 1939-1944 would have been pretty hairy compared to nowadays. :D

i must admit i have, in the past month, left my house in crookes at 4:30 to catch a 5:20 train at sheffield and waited 32 mins for a every 8 min bus, then get a guy with a mate talking to him all the way, and him driving at about 5mph all the way with NO traffic on the road.

i got off at orchard Square at 5:15 and ran the rest of the way (i got to the adsetts centre before he did!) and got to the right platform 5 mins late!

because of that bus driver i had to wait and extra 1hr 30 min for my next train! and got to my destination at 8:30 insteead of 6:50

yeah i can accept it once but after about 4 times it gets annoying! especially when i have done it in 5mins at about 5 past 5 stopping at most stops!

as i said before if they get me somewhere in a decent amoput of time without waiting to long for them i say a cheery thanks to bus drivers

Originally posted by Andy
How would you know the fare, though? They're not printed in the timetables or one notices at the bus stop (which are often vandalised anyway).

Why not bring back conductors on they bust routes to look after fares and let the driver concentrate on driving? Look how well having conducto

I agree bring back conductors, integrate public transport back to local authority control so all sections of the community get a fair crack,subsidise fares to make taking the car out unattractive and paint em all navy blue and cream with Sheffield Transport on the side. Oh and ensure the staff earn a living wage and have a future within the system.

Well i've just had a lovely day driving the 41's to town and the 30 to Dore.The Sun is out helping to top up the tan,all the passenagers were lovely.Im glad im not one of the drones working with your 9-5 office jobs!

Wonder what tomorrow will bring............

Originally posted by bulldog D
I agree bring back conductors, integrate public transport back to local authority control so all sections of the community get a fair crack,subsidise fares to make taking the car out unattractive and paint em all navy blue and cream with Sheffield Transport on the side. Oh and ensure the staff earn a living wage and have a future within the system.

Bringing the conductors back will never happen. It costs too much money but I agree it improves the service.

Wibbles, at least during the war you knew who the enemy was!

Originally posted by unners
Well i've just had a lovely day driving the 41's to town and the 30 to Dore.The Sun is out helping to top up the tan,all the passenagers were lovely.Im glad im not one of the drones working with your 9-5 office jobs!

Wonder what tomorrow will bring............

Oh well yesterday brought to bricks through 2 41s windows,so anyone wondering why the 41s where missing around the intake area last night,they were being diverted around Beirut for a couple of hours!!

I don't always say hi when i get on the bus.
But i always do say ta or cheers when i get off, i really can't stand it when the driver doesn't answer.

If their day is as miserable as anyone's who works with 'people' then replying might get them in a better mood and realise not all passengers/customers are rude bas****s that insult them...

Bus drivers...I ask you...

Is there some sort of bus driver code?....

Why do they only wave to drivers of their company buses, are they not friends with the other boys and girls?

Buses come crashing to a halt to let a fellow bus out, yet they could have easily overtook (normally)...

Some bus drivers use thumbs up, others flick their indicators, other turn their lights on and off (inside the bus)...do these things have different meanings?

[i]

Buses come crashing to a halt to let a fellow bus out, yet they could have easily overtook (normally)...

[/B]

We have to slow down to let fellow bus drivers pull out because ignorant,now it all car drivers wont.

A small tip for all car drivers that want to try to cut infront of a bus that has pulled out on him.

It is not the drivers bus,or his insurance that has to pay for any repair work,so don't think it bothers the driver,he/she will just hit you

Originally posted by Jim219
Bus drivers...I ask you...

Is there some sort of bus driver code?....

Why do they only wave to drivers of their company buses, are they not friends with the other boys and girls?

Buses come crashing to a halt to let a fellow bus out, yet they could have easily overtook (normally)...

Some bus drivers use thumbs up, others flick their indicators, other turn their lights on and off (inside the bus)...do these things have different meanings?

We do wave to the other companies drivers,unless they are someone who never waves back then we dont bother.Tram drivers never wave back so i dont bother with them either.

we always let each other out(all companies) other wise another 10 cars would pass us by with out letting us out,plus has the added benefit of annoying the car driver behind!

Regarding the flashing of lights etc these are personal preferences.

Originally posted by uncleheed
We have to slow down to let fellow bus drivers pull out because ignorant,now it all car drivers wont.

A small tip for all car drivers that want to try to cut infront of a bus that has pulled out on him.

It is not the drivers bus,or his insurance that has to pay for any repair work,so don't think it bothers the driver,he/she will just hit you

A small tip for ignorant know-it-all bus drivers who stupidly pull out when a car is legally passing them as a parked obstruction...

You're guilty of careless driving which will be shown through the insurance and possibly police reports and you should look forward to receiving your P45 and maybe a fine and penalty points sometime soon.
:loopy:
You're attitude exactly is why so many people hate bus drivers.

Personally, I'm sick and tired of having to second guess divvy bus drivers who think a PSV license gives them special privileges on the road.



Originally posted by unners
we always let each other out(all companies) other wise another 10 cars would pass us by with out letting us out,plus has the added benefit of annoying the car driver behind!
Says it all really.

Maybe you don't know its in the highway code that public transport has right of way over cars.
I personally have a three car rule,if three cars pass me and no-one makes an effort to let me out,the forth one is unlucky.
Surely after that amount of time he has seen my trafficator and should be letting me out anyway

I have some sympathy, but at the end of the day there are no special privilieges for public transport, including pulling out or the right to do so.

Lets be totally clear about this - busses have NO right of way over other road users except where there are signs to indicate otherwise.

You would still be guility of careless driving with all the attendent consequences.

I'm now far less inclined to let busses pull out than I was a few years ago because so many bus drivers are utter twonks.

All i can say is get a copy of the highway code and read it

And car drivers are so perfect.Take this as an example.driving down the wrong side of the road,as i had no choice due to parked cars, idiot know it all driver came up the road,stared me out for a couple of mins then reversed,calling me alsorts.Now if he had looked a liitle bit further than his bonnet he might have seen a developing hazard approaching in front of him!!

And one final point if it wasnt for us ignorant know-it-all bus drivers there would be a hell of a lot more traffic on the roads for you car drivers to get stuck in.

I'll repeat it for the bus drivers amongst us. Busses have NO right of way over other bus users.

I suggest YOU go and read the Highway Code uncleheed - you're wrong.

And no unners, car drivers aren't all perfect, but bus drivers seem to be a remarkably ignorant breed. Maybe you are the perfect bus driver - but lot of your collegues certainly aren't. And please don't think you're doing us all some sort of traffic management favour by driving a bus - it's just your job to drive busses, not sort out congestion.

Anyway, this thread is about bus drivers - not car drivers :P

At last! A bus driver who has confirmed my suspicions over their lack of highway code awareness over the last few years.

I'm surprised that you bother to use your 'traficators' too!

I travel a 16 mile round trip to work and this follows several different bus routes. I've lost count of the number of times I've seen busses pull out into flowing traffic without any signal, block road junctions off that are traffic light controlled, pulled out onto roundabouts without giving way to traffic on their right. It is not uncommon to see busses parked unaccompanied near a busy junction in Ecclesfield with their engines running, another motoring offence.

The list goes on and on!

As for unners comment about the idiot driver who stared him out, I have had the same thing happen to me, but on that occasion the bus driver was going too fast to brake and allow me to continue (as I had the right of way).

It's a pity we couldn't all get back into the spirit of the highway code, courtesy of the road user, etc. Perhaps then our daily drive to/from work may become a little less stressful?

Anyone seen the news report of the bus driver in Doncaster who was attacked by a youth with a stun gun? They are getting more of my sympathy all the time. A lot of us might hate our jobs but at least you know you can come home from work without having had 100,000 volts through your body.

The best thing will be next time i actually film a bus driving through red lights to send it to South Yorkshire police... I have unfortunately deleted the old vids, but the way things are going i should have a nice new collection of First buses going thru lights :rolleyes:

and buses have no right of way as for puling out of a bus stop.
It is a courtosy and only if the car driver WANTS to, he will ther eis no law FORCING a car driver, or truck or even other bus driver to let a bus leave the curbe

Furthermore there is no need to let any bus leave a stop in general as most stop don't have littel parkings they're just on the side of the road, so the bus can leave strait forward...

Also that bus lane on Wicker is the dumbest thing ever... Waste of the traffic light (the one going towards town beside the useless Cutlers way)

the highway code is advisory only where it suggests letting buses out. they do not have the right of way.
Bus drivers involved in accidents where they are to blame are not looked on particularly well by bus companies, and especially not if it happens a few times.

Not exactly bus related, but the one way system through neepsend (from the bottom of commercial street to the A61 near wickes) i've met vehicles driving the wrong way down this two lane 1 way section several times. 3 times in fact, 1 truck, 1 van and 1 car. All 3 times it was just luck that meant I had time to break and avoid them as I was using the right hand lane of the two lanes and cornering to the right. 10 seconds later and it would have been head on with them.....

Bus drivers do often seem to favour 'might is right' tendencies, and as seen aboove, they invent their own laws to suit themselves.

A good example is where there are double parked cars where the bus usually just heads on into the narrow space regardless of what's coming the other way. They refuse to give way or pull to the side to let other vehicles get out of THEIR way which usually means a car which had right of way and just needed a bus to pull into a gap has to reverse up a road.

A bus once did this to me when it would have been dangerous to reverse and all he had to do was nose into a gap to let me through, but oh no.. he wasn't going to help me to help him.

I got out of the car, locked it and went into the shop, 2 minutes later when I came out he had moved to let me through. :thumbsup: Childish maybe, but I wasn't going to perform a dangerous manoeuvre because he was a lazy pig-headed twonk with a big bus. I bet that made his day :D

Originally posted by uncleheed


A small tip for all car drivers that want to try to cut infront of a bus that has pulled out on him.

It is not the drivers bus,or his insurance that has to pay for any repair work,so don't think it bothers the driver,he/she will just hit you

Sadly I think that sort of attitute is typical of too many bus drivers. What ever happened to the notion of the customer always being right. This does not seem to apply in the bus industry.

Could I respectfully suggest that as part of bus driver training they should spend a little time in restaurants observing how waiters/waitresses deal with their customers. I think they could learn a lot.

I have not been in Sheffield for that long, but i find the buses cleaner, friendlier and more *panctual* than other cities i have lived in.

Originally posted by slimsid2000
Sadly I think that sort of attitute is typical of too many bus drivers. What ever happened to the notion of the customer always being right. This does not seem to apply in the bus industry.

Could I respectfully suggest that as part of bus driver training they should spend a little time in restaurants observing how waiters/waitresses deal with their customers. I think they could learn a lot.

car drivers are not customers of the bus drivers. They just happen to share the road.

Tony, stop being so bitter against bus drivers. If you were to spend you working life driving around, I think you might start and get somewhat annoyed with car/taxi drivers, lorry drivers and so on.

Bus drivers spend their working day stuck behind a wheel and have to put up with stupid taxi/car/van/truck drivers all day (likewise for the rest of us). Slimsid 2000 if you’ve ever worked in a customer-focused role, you will appreciate how rude the general public can be, it’s the same in restaurants for the waiters/waitresses and I’ve come across many rude waiters/ses.

People are just people and we all get annoyed about something at sometime, you just need to bear in mind that the bus driver who ****** you off may have had 15 other car drivers who has done the same to him/her.

I'm not a bus driver, but I can see each side has a valid argument. You could be in hospital and have a nasty nurse or a doctor with attitude, but that doesn't mean that all doctors and nurses are the same. Let it go and move on with your life, put you energy in to something more constructive that you may be able to change, you have a passion which is great, just use it for something worthwhile other than having a go a people.

P.S. Captain scarlet, I’ve seen many taxi/car/van/truck/coach drivers run red lights, all of which are putting others at risk!

Hey, I'm not bitter, but this is a thread about bus drivers. Shall we just pretend they are really lovely and dance around with flowers in our hair? :banana:

There are 2 bus drivers in this thread and both of them have a totally false understanding of the laws of the road in relation to the single thing that annoys other road users more than anything else (so it seems in this thread).

They will no doubt be pleased it's being pointed out to them by lots of fellow Forumers - it will surely improve their daily lot and allow them to move on to more constructive things :heyhey: :thumbsup:

Incidently, I drive maybe 2 hours a day on average around the inner city area, so I think I have a pretty clear view of other road users... don't get me started on black cabs!:rant:

Well here's a daft story, I just got back from Town, went on the 82 from Stannington with Mum, I know I'm short for my age at 5'5" but like WTF?! The muppet bus driver gave me a CHILD's ticket when I showed him my DISABLED bus pass!

How stupid are some of these people?!

Originally posted by Tony
Hey, I'm not bitter, but this is a thread about bus drivers. Shall we just pretend they are really lovely and dance around with flowers in our hair? :banana:

There are 2 bus drivers in this thread and both of them have a totally false understanding of the laws of the road in relation to the single thing that annoys other road users more than anything else (so it seems in this thread).

They will no doubt be pleased it's being pointed out to them by lots of fellow Forumers - it will surely improve their daily lot and allow them to move on to more constructive things :heyhey: :thumbsup:

Incidentally, I drive maybe 2 hours a day on average around the inner city area, so I think I have a pretty clear view of other road users... don't get me started on black cabs!:rant:

If you want to dance around with flowers in your hair great - I’m not one to judge. I appreciate that this is a thread about Bus Drivers, but what you (and the creator) fail to understand is that there is poor ethics and incompetence in quite a lot of occupations and professions and you could easily create a thread about everyone’s job.

As for driving 2 hours a day - true you will have a clear view of other road users, but try doing it for 6/7 or maybe 8 hours up to 5 or 6 times a week in a bus, then I'm sure your view maybe slightly different. Perhaps because people are always slating bus drivers, trying to get in front (because we don't want to get stuck behind the slow bus) is the reason why the pull out on you or are rude in someway. Be courteous and they may surprise you!

As for the Highway Code, it does state "Buses, coaches and trams. Give priority to these vehicles when you can do so safely, especially when they signal to pull away from stops". How many times can any of you honestly say that when you see a bus indicate to pull out that you cannot give priority? I know I’m guilty of it!! I'm sure that the bus drivers were too before they began working for the bus company! Although I'm under no false beliefs that all bus drivers follow this rule.

I think we can all say we are guilty of inconsiderate driving at some point, including the bus drivers!! But maybe, because people treat all bus drivers as stupid and inconsiderate drivers that they all react in the same way. By doing this you are only reinforcing the Bus drivers belief that all car drivers are stupid and inconsiderate drivers. And thus the circle and argument continues.

Car drivers, don’t treat all bus drivers the same because of a bad experience – Bus drivers, don’t treat all car drivers the same because of a bad experience. THE END. lol

Originally posted by Rich
Well here's a daft story, I just got back from Town, went on the 82 from Stannington with Mum, I know I'm short for my age at 5'5" but like WTF?! The muppet bus driver gave me a CHILD's ticket when I showed him my DISABLED bus pass!

How stupid are some of these people?!

It's the same price so does it really matter?

Well, based on my journey home from work every day car drivers are guilty of the following: (especially on Abbeydale Rd)

- Parking in bus lanes before 6:30pm
- other obstructive parking practices
- bad lane discipline
- pulling out from side streets in front of bus forcing bus to brake sharply
- overtaking bus as it sets off
- failing to let bus into line of stationary traffic from stop, causing bus driver to resort to forcing his way in.
- parking illegally at bus stops forcing bus to stop in middle of road, causing all traffic behind bus to be blocked.

I do generally let buses pull out if I can. But I DO NOT HAVE TOO, the law does not say I must do this. Buses should not push in, they should wait until they are let out.

Originally posted by Rich
Well here's a daft story, I just got back from Town, went on the 82 from Stannington with Mum, I know I'm short for my age at 5'5" but like WTF?! The muppet bus driver gave me a CHILD's ticket when I showed him my DISABLED bus pass!

How stupid are some of these people?!


When you are issuing up to 400 tickets a day,(I kid you not),and someone just says '40 please'sometimes you just hit the first 40p button you see.On the odd occassion,I have given OAP tickets to 7 year old kids.

Jeeeez....What have I started?!?!?

Originally posted by uncleheed
When you are issuing up to 400 tickets a day,(I kid you not),and someone just says '40 please'sometimes you just hit the first 40p button you see.On the odd occassion,I have given OAP tickets to 7 year old kids.

why is there a need for more than one 40p button ?

Isn't there a 'Concessionary fair' full stop ? regardless of which kind...

Talk about having a daft system !

Apparently,each different concession has to have their own ticket,so SYPTE know how many of each are issued and fiddle the council tax accordingly

Originally posted by uncleheed
Apparently,each different concession has to have their own ticket,so SYPTE know how many of each are issued and fiddle the council tax accordingly

What on earth are you talking about? How could SYPTE possibly fiddle the council tax based on the different concessions?:loopy:

I didn't understand that either :confused:

If I recall correctly, the SYPTA (not SYPTE) gain susbsidy form each of the LA's. Perhaps there is a formula for public transport use in various areas?

Its all to do with collecting data on how many children travel and how many oap travel,also you have to take account of the fact that children are travelling in the morning peak to reach school when OAP,s cannot travel.If the bus operaters inform the pte that this year the average fare is say £1 the difference being 60p this is then paid to them out of the concessionary fare budget.

my two penneth......


you should try geting on a bus with a .........DOUBLE PRAM.....!!!!!
Now thats one of lifes great mysteries!
Why do the majority of bus drivers have such a problem with people with prams?? I complained to a driver that he hadnt given me time to get my double pram into the pram bay (Im ALWAYS polite, say hello and goodbye and thanks....ALWAYS!!) and he just glared at tme and said he hadnt got all day!! All he had to do was wait 10 seconds. wouldnt have minded but the twins were only about 2 weeks old at the time!!
I regularly see people with prams having a lot of probs....and no one helps. many drivers just dont have the patience to wait!!

sue :0

General moan about mothers with prams(this is'nt aimed at you samsmum or may be it is)
Why are mothers unprepared to take their prams down when the bus is full. Why do they insist on bringing Prams onto buses when they are only really designed to fit a couple of BUGGY'S on. The prams they bring on tend to be huge. Why do mothers swear at you when you cant get their pram/buggy on the bus.The amount of times i've heard the f word said in front of their little darlings!!
At the end of the day its a BUS not a buggy transporter.

PS. you could always ask him not to set off until you say. But dont moan next time the bus is late due to him hanging arround due to you and your oversize baby machine!!
Originally posted by samsmum

my two penneth......


you should try geting on a bus with a .........DOUBLE PRAM.....!!!!!
Now thats one of lifes great mysteries!
Why do the majority of bus drivers have such a problem with people with prams?? I complained to a driver that he hadnt given me time to get my double pram into the pram bay (Im ALWAYS polite, say hello and goodbye and thanks....ALWAYS!!) and he just glared at tme and said he hadnt got all day!! All he had to do was wait 10 seconds. wouldnt have minded but the twins were only about 2 weeks old at the time!!
I regularly see people with prams having a lot of probs....and no one helps. many drivers just dont have the patience to wait!!

sue :0

Originally posted by unners
General moan about mothers with prams(this is'nt aimed at you samsmum or may be it is)

Why are mothers unprepared to take their prams down when the bus is full. Why do they insist on bringing Prams onto buses when they are only really designed to fit a couple of BUGGY'S on. The prams they bring on tend to be huge.

At the end of the day its a BUS not a buggy transporter.

I always thought that a bus was public transport with paying customers?

Maybe the driver could get of his bum and help the struggling mother?

For insurance purposes,buses can only carry 2 unfolded buggies.If the bus was in an accident and there was more than 2 prams on,all claims would be void,and the driver would be liable to disiplnary(sp?)action/prosecution.
If the driver leaves the cab area to assist the mother and anything happens to the vehicle,ie brake failure,robbery,that too would be the fault of him/her.

Also,I don't know how old any of you are,but when I was a kid,and when my kids were of pram using age,there was no such thing as an easy access bus,and I/my mother had to carry all the shopping,a pram and a kid onto the bus without any help from the driver or anyone else.

Originally posted by unners
General moan about mothers with prams(this is'nt aimed at you samsmum or may be it is)
Why are mothers unprepared to take their prams down when the bus is full. Why do they insist on bringing Prams onto buses when they are only really designed to fit a couple of BUGGY'S on. The prams they bring on tend to be huge. Why do mothers swear at you when you cant get their pram/buggy on the bus.The amount of times i've heard the f word said in front of their little darlings!!
At the end of the day its a BUS not a buggy transporter.

PS. you could always ask him not to set off until you say. But dont moan next time the bus is late due to him hanging arround due to you and your oversize baby machine!!

If they can't get the pram onto the bus, how else do they get their child onto a bus?! Carry it in their arms?!

Can't be done mate, as it's dangerous to both the mum and the child, what if the mum were to trip while carrying the child or something?! Those bus decks aren't the most even of surfaces to walk on you know.

I'm not having a go at you here, I'm just trying to get you to look at the issue from the prospective point of view of a mum or dad with a young child in tow.

Originally posted by Rich
If they can't get the pram onto the bus, how else do they get their child onto a bus?! Carry it in their arms?!

Can't be done mate, as it's dangerous to both the mum and the child, what if the mum were to trip while carrying the child or something?! Those bus decks aren't the most even of surfaces to walk on you know.

I'm not having a go at you here, I'm just trying to get you to look at the issue from the prospective point of view of a mum or dad with a young child in tow.


read the quote above rich.
People managed it for years before low flooors

hehe...its ok unners, I know what you mean!;)

But, just to put a few thoughts across to everyone.
- we know that yonks ago it was a case of folding the pram up, but 9 times out of 10 someone was chivalrous enough to offer help. My, how times have changed! By the way, has anyone ever tried to hold 2 babies and fold up a double buggy??
- these buses were DESIGNED to allow people to wheel prams straight on....its not our fault the design is widely used and its not our faults that the drivers ignore their own health and safety rules and allow more than two buggies. I personally WAIT if the bus is full....I dont compromise my own and my childrens safety for the sake of waiting another 15 minutes.
- why dont the drivers point out the ignorance of the pram users....I know I have on more than one occasion pointed out that its really dangerous to park the pram in the aisle...and that the 2 buggy rule is for their babies safety!
- I do ask the driver to wait a few seconds until ive parked up...I have also had to point out to several drivers (politely) that its common sense to wait until WHEELCHAIRS are parked up...the number of times i have been on a 51 and the ignorant gits have set off up East Bank Road while a wheelchair is still in the central aisle is unbeleivable!
...and lastly (I'll shut up now) politeness costs nothing ... on both sides of the security screen!!!

sue:)

Samsmum,

it wasn't me who you saw, was it, in the aisle in my wheelchair on the 51 bus? Until about a year ago, I used to live near the senior school, at the top of Arbourthorne, and used the "Wheelchair Access" (what a joke, at times, that was!) number 51's, frequently.

I frequently used to be in the process of parking my wheelchair and not even have managed to pass beyond the luggage rack area, before the drivers would zoom off away from the bus stop.

It was (and still is) one of my pet hates.

Many a time, I have narrowly missed being thrown from my chair.
It is similar on the supertram, there are driver on ther, who will be very courteous, and ensure that you are parked and secure before setting off, and there are others who will not even let you get the front wheels of your wheelchair or pushchair on the tram, before the doors are being closed.

It is incredibly irritating. (not to mention damn dangerous!!) I really wish that all drivers of tram or bus, would ensure that any wheelchair-user is parked safely and has their brakes applied before moving off

PT

Originally posted by Plain Talker
Samsmum,

it wasn't me who you saw, was it, in the aisle in my wheelchair on the 51 bus? Until about a year ago, I used to live near the senior school, at the top of Arbourthorne, and used the "Wheelchair Access" (what a joke, at times, that was!) number 51's, frequently.

I frequently used to be in the process of parking my wheelchair and not even have managed to pass beyond the luggage rack area, before the drivers would zoom off away from the bus stop.

It was (and still is) one of my pet hates.

Many a time, I have narrowly missed being thrown from my chair.
It is similar on the supertram, there are driver on ther, who will be very courteous, and ensure that you are parked and secure before setting off, and there are others who will not even let you get the front wheels of your wheelchair or pushchair on the tram, before the doors are being closed.

It is incredibly irritating. (not to mention damn dangerous!!) I really wish that all drivers of tram or bus, would ensure that any wheelchair-user is parked safely and has their brakes applied before moving off

PT

hiya PT,
its an elderly lady and her carer/daughter/friend who get on at the middle stop on east bank.
but I do remember you....we have exchanged hellos on several occasions....I used to get on the tram with my twins in a double buggy! I do remember you being very assertive in your communicatons with the drivers as you got on and off, and they then always seemed to be very helpful to you! Go girl!!
Do i remember you telling me you were on the passenger/transport consultation/advisory board?? (or whatever its title is/was?) - do you still do that?

sue:D

My dad used to be a bus driver years ago, (about 20years) mainly on the 57 Stocksbridge route. He was friendly and helpful and very well liked, and he used to let nurses on for free.:bigsmile:

I visited my family in Sheffield last year with my husband. We came home from town on the 60 bus at around 4 o'clock. Of course every school along Fulwood Road was turning out and there were kids everywhere with school buses lined up all long the road. Cars were double parked also so traffic was backed up in both directions. At one point there was only enough space for one vehicle to get through the gap. So the bus driver mounted the curb and drove along the pavement like a bat out of hell. Trees were smacking the glass and leaves were coming in the open windows. We were upstairs so had a good view. At one point 2 people walking along the road had to press themselves against the wall for fear of being flattened. Bloody hell- or words to that effect. I understand that buses have a schedule to keep, but my God, with the speed they drive and lack of concern for pedestrians walking on a pavement, I am surprised more people aren't killed (or squashed) My husband described the ride as exhilarating like a fairground ride! Yes, it was bad!

Originally posted by Funke88
I visited my family in Sheffield last year with my husband. We came home from town on the 60 bus at around 4 o'clock. Of course every school along Fulwood Road was turning out and there were kids everywhere with school buses lined up all long the road. Cars were double parked also so traffic was backed up in both directions. At one point there was only enough space for one vehicle to get through the gap. So the bus driver mounted the curb and drove along the pavement like a bat out of hell. Trees were smacking the glass and leaves were coming in the open windows. We were upstairs so had a good view. At one point 2 people walking along the road had to press themselves against the wall for fear of being flattened. Bloody hell- or words to that effect. I understand that buses have a schedule to keep, but my God, with the speed they drive and lack of concern for pedestrians walking on a pavement, I am surprised more people aren't killed (or squashed) My husband described the ride as exhilarating like a fairground ride! Yes, it was bad!

Wow...when I get the 60 at that time ? (From one of said piling out schools) the bus drivers don't seem to care whether i get home before the next working day or not! Maybe he was just passionate about his duties? ;)

seems to me like they can't win. Whatever they do, however they drive, someone is going to moan that they're late, rude, impatient or something. Why not just give them a break. Why not just apreciate how good the Sheffield bus srvice really is.:(

Be thankful for what you have.It is reported in tonights Star that the Joblink initiative is recruitinting in the Manor and Wybourn areas.This means the long term unemployed(unemployable),will be driving our buses in the near future.

Be warned,things will only get worse.

Originally posted by kookie
seems to me like they can't win. Whatever they do, however they drive, someone is going to moan that they're late, rude, impatient or something. Why not just give them a break. Why not just apreciate how good the Sheffield bus srvice really is.:(

Compared to where? Afghanistan? :D

Originally posted by kookie
seems to me like they can't win. Whatever they do, however they drive, someone is going to moan that they're late, rude, impatient or something. Why not just give them a break. Why not just apreciate how good the Sheffield bus srvice really is.:(

Until some school kid or pensioner gets killed on the pavement!
Give ME a break. The bus service is good but just slow down. Safety is not too much to ask.

fair enough. I'll keep my mouth shut then.:roll:

Originally posted by kookie
fair enough. I'll keep my mouth shut then.:roll:

Please don't, it makes a change for someone to stand up for somebody on this forum.

Rock on bus drivers, I say.

my dad was a bus driver, about 20 or so years ago. He was well liked and I was really proud of him. When he died about 18 years ago, Sheffield city transport ran an almost skeleton service so all of his work mates could attend his funeral. I can't see that happening with any other employer.

iTS GOOD JOB YOU DID NOT LIVE I THE SIXTYS WHEN YOU HAD TO FOLD A PRAM AND PUT IT UNDER THE STAIRS ON A BUS AND CARRIE YOUR BABY AT THE SAME TIME AND HOLD YOUR SHOPPING AS WELL YOU DONT KNOW YOU ARE BORN THESE DAYS , AND YOU SHOULD TRY WALKING IT WOULD DO YOU WORLD OF GOOD AND ALSO KEEP YOU FIT BE PROUD OF YOUR BABY AND WALK WITH YOUR PRAM

Originally posted by dollydaydream
iTS GOOD JOB YOU DID NOT LIVE I THE SIXTYS WHEN YOU HAD TO FOLD A PRAM AND PUT IT UNDER THE STAIRS ON A BUS AND CARRIE YOUR BABY AT THE SAME TIME AND HOLD YOUR SHOPPING AS WELL YOU DONT KNOW YOU ARE BORN THESE DAYS , AND YOU SHOULD TRY WALKING IT WOULD DO YOU WORLD OF GOOD AND ALSO KEEP YOU FIT BE PROUD OF YOUR BABY AND WALK WITH YOUR PRAM

Please stop shouting there is no need for it.

The easy access buses are there primary for disabled passengers, not pushchairs. If a wheelchair bound passenger boards the bus the driver can insist that a pushchair is folded if in the wheelchair place. The main problem though is you can't get your pushchair in the luggage rack becuase of those stupid Metro holders.

Jubby

Originally posted by unners
General moan about mothers with prams(this is'nt aimed at you samsmum or may be it is)
Why are mothers unprepared to take their prams down when the bus is full. Why do they insist on bringing Prams onto buses when they are only really designed to fit a couple of BUGGY'S on. The prams they bring on tend to be huge. Why do mothers swear at you when you cant get their pram/buggy on the bus.The amount of times i've heard the f word said in front of their little darlings!!
At the end of the day its a BUS not a buggy transporter.

PS. you could always ask him not to set off until you say. But dont moan next time the bus is late due to him hanging arround due to you and your oversize baby machine!!

This is due to drivers not knowing their own safety notices.

It says on the wall behind the driver not to stand until the bus has stopped. Most of the time the drivers will not stop unless you are stood at the door.

This happens the other way as well basic Health & Safety. They set off before you have had a chance to sit.

Once with my son in his disabled buggy it took me 3 bus stops to get him in the wheelchair bay and for me to sit.

Some drivers don't care

Originally posted by uncleheed



Also,I don't know how old any of you are,but when I was a kid,and when my kids were of pram using age,there was no such thing as an easy access bus,and I/my mother had to carry all the shopping,a pram and a kid onto the bus without any help from the driver or anyone else.


Its called progress.

When yuor kids were of pram using age they weren't a lot of things, doesn't mean we shouldn't take advantage of them now they are here!!

I can see the point about letting passengers find a seat (or get down the bus to stand!) before setting off.

But I'm betting the managers don't schedule for this when drawing up the timetable.

I'm also willing to bet that if every driver followed this to the letter, this thread would still cvarry on, this time with people moaning that they got wet standing in the rain because the bus was late!

But exceptions SHOULD be made for the old and infirm. Then again it takes longer for them to find a seat because people sat near the front just look anywhere else and pretend not to notice. Giving up a seat for an elderly person is a rare thing from my experiences of public transport

EDIT: What also makes me laugh on buses are the "get fit, get off a stop early and walk" adverts - plonked right next to another, announcing "why walk? 50p 3-stop tickets"!!!!

Originally posted by Squiggs
I can see the point about letting passengers find a seat (or get down the bus to stand!) before setting off.

But I'm betting the managers don't schedule for this when drawing up the timetable.

I'm also willing to bet that if every driver followed this to the letter, this thread would still cvarry on, this time with people moaning that they got wet standing in the rain because the bus was late!

But exceptions SHOULD be made for the old and infirm. Then again it takes longer for them to find a seat because people sat near the front just look anywhere else and pretend not to notice. Giving up a seat for an elderly person is a rare thing from my experiences of public transport

EDIT: What also makes me laugh on buses are the "get fit, get off a stop early and walk" adverts - plonked right next to another, announcing "why walk? 50p 3-stop tickets"!!!!

The problem is the people with mobilty problems don't always carry a sign round their neck.

I for one am mistaken for a fit 29 years old but have mobility problems, not quite bad enough to be classed as disabled but if I didn't take the precautions I do (like not being jolted by a moving bus while stood up) i soon will be.

Also were bus seats disigned by a midget (no ofence to little people) as the new buses I can't get my legs behind the seat in front so one leg has to stick out.

Last week four people stood on my foot, looked down saw it was a foot and then carried on down the bus, not one said sorry. Guess the age of them.

The youngest 50 ish the oldest pension age. The young are rude? No just society as a whole.

Its true about the signs. That is funny.

Jubby

a driver should b a driver not conducter/buncer or whatever last bus entails

Well I managed to drive to work today without having the misfortune to have a bus pull out of its stop forcing me to emergency brake or not pulling properly into a bus stop when traffic is heavy.

Originally posted by wibbles
Well I managed to drive to work today without having the misfortune to have a bus pull out of its stop forcing me to emergency brake or not pulling properly into a bus stop when traffic is heavy.

Well i'm glad i'm on strike today,saves me not having to try to pull in to a bus stop with a car already parked there!.

Originally posted by unners
Well i'm glad i'm on strike today,saves me not having to try to pull in to a bus stop with a car already parked there!.

Not to mention the fact that it's illegal to park in a bus stop layby unless you're actually driving a bus :loopy:

Originally posted by unners
Well i'm glad i'm on strike today,saves me not having to try to pull in to a bus stop with a car already parked there!.
Its actually when traffic's heavy and they don't want to pull out of the traffic into the bus stop...and while I'm at it I managed to get across Castlegate junction this morning without a clever bus driver misjudging the lights and getting stuck on the box junction straddling the entire road :loopy:

is all this 'bad press' the bus drivers get from road users really necessary?

Well I managed to drive to work today without having the misfortune to have a bus pull out of its stop forcing me to emergency brake


if you follow the Highway code, you wouldent ever have this problem!!
drivers should 'Give Way' to public transport, so when a bus driver is indicating to pull outm 'LET HIM/HER'. simple!!


if bus drivers are really as bad as people make out they are, then why dont all you moaners just drive with 'extra care' when near busses, this way you wouldent have anything to moan about
:o

Originally posted by Nu_Skillz
is all this 'bad press' the bus drivers get from road users really necessary?



if you follow the Highway code, you wouldent ever have this problem!!
drivers should 'Give Way' to public transport, so when a bus driver is indicating to pull outm 'LET HIM/HER'. simple!!


if bus drivers are really as bad as people make out they are, then why dont all you moaners just drive with 'extra care' when near busses, this way you wouldent have anything to moan about
:o

Drivers 'should' give way if it is safe to do so. It isn't safe to do so if the clot decides to pull out when I'm 20 yards from passing it thus making me have to slam on.

Originally posted by wibbles
Drivers 'should' give way if it is safe to do so. It isn't safe to do so if the clot decides to pull out when I'm 20 yards from passing it thus making me have to slam on.

Tell me about it, when I am driving (works pool car that is, as I don't have my own) I often have bus drivers pullout, with no indication, just as I am coming up to the back of the bus. Even had them set off (again with no indication) whilst passing them thus causing me to either speed up and break the law or slam my brakes on and pull back in behind them. This isn't all bus drivers though some are excellent!

some people think that bus drivers have the 'u dont wanna mess with me mate' attitude as they have a bigger transport than you!

well if i were a bus driver and had a buss full of passengers, i think i would be more carefull at picking my moments to 'pull out'.
wouldent want to end up in A&E unit or even worse, the death of a passenger on my concience!

Drivers 'should' give way if it is safe to do so. It isn't safe to do so if the clot decides to pull out when I'm 20 yards from passing it thus making me have to slam on.

when its safe to do so? if you were driving at a safe speed, you wouldent need to emergancy stop?
you should drive slower near bus stops m8, instead of trying to get infront of the bus it befofe it pulls out.

Originally posted by wibbles
Drivers 'should' give way if it is safe to do so. It isn't safe to do so if the clot decides to pull out when I'm 20 yards from passing it thus making me have to slam on.

Have you never heard of hazard perception??

Originally posted by unners
Have you never heard of hazard perception??
Good point..hazard perception...bus driver+bus=hazard.
I don't know what I'm thinking. I should know by now that when approaching a bus sat in a bus stop then there is a high likelyhood that he's going to pull out regardless..thanks for that advice.
:thumbsup:

sheesh.
If a bus driver, or any driver pulls out on you unexpectedly you can't be blamed for driving badly, they are the ones driving badly.

The majority of the drivers did not land 30k at the sale of Mainline to first, nor did most of them vote for the sale.
The majority of shares were owned by the management and thus they carried the vote for the sale. The majority of them then worked for a few years and retired, whilst the drivers carried on working and watched their real wage (adjusted for inflation) shrink while their duties were increased and more pressure applied by first.

Oh - and competition, stagecoach, anyone heard of them? No, don't they run over half the public transport in the county? Sounds like competition to me, not a monopoly.

Originally posted by unners
Have you never heard of hazard perception??
Have you never heard of indicators?
Or how about only pulling out when safe to do so?
Or how about not stopping in the carriageway?

Mod hat on: moving these sort of posts to the relevant thread.

I went out this afternoon into town and back and have to say the roads seemed to flow nicely without buses getting in the way. I did expect jams galore but it was no different, or possibly even better than usual. We're constantly told about how great buses are but are they really an effective method of transport? Imagine the roads with no buses getting in the way and no bus lanes, doubling capacity on many roads. Seems good to me. And if pollution is a worry, Jeremy Clarkson revealed on Top Gear that in terms of fuel consumed per passenger, trains are heavier consumers than cars. Bearing in mind the fact that buses are only ever full during the rush hours, I think that a similar study would reveal the same about fuel per passenger by bus. Let's get rid of those big, noisy, ugly diesel guzzlers, and as a result the (mainly) rude and unsafe drivers that are currently demonstrating their real commitment to their passengers.

I noticed a Truvelo camera (the sort that zap the car coming towards them) going into Chapeltown. Everyone was slowing down before they got to the camera, but to be honest i don't think anyone was going over 30 anyway. The thing is I noticed a camera van 50m further down the road pointing at the same cars. now I don't know if it was there because the Truvelo wasn't working or was just there for the money expecting cars to speed up after they had past the camera.

Mods please remove...posted in error

Originally posted by Tony
Have you never heard of indicators?
Or how about only pulling out when safe to do so?
Or how about not stopping in the carriageway?

Mod hat on: moving these sort of posts to the relevant thread.

Yep I have heard of indicators which i use and on roundabouts where car drivers seam not to bother.

Always pull out when safe to do so, Unless i make a mistake (only human),

And always use designated stops,unless cars are parked in them,which in 6/10 cases they are!

Originally posted by t020
I went out this afternoon into town and back and have to say the roads seemed to flow nicely without buses getting in the way. I did expect jams galore but it was no different, or possibly even better than usual. We're constantly told about how great buses are but are they really an effective method of transport? Imagine the roads with no buses getting in the way and no bus lanes, doubling capacity on many roads. Seems good to me. And if pollution is a worry, Jeremy Clarkson revealed on Top Gear that in terms of fuel consumed per passenger, trains are heavier consumers than cars. Bearing in mind the fact that buses are only ever full during the rush hours, I think that a similar study would reveal the same about fuel per passenger by bus. Let's get rid of those big, noisy, ugly diesel guzzlers, and as a result the (mainly) rude and unsafe drivers that are currently demonstrating their real commitment to their passengers.

So what happens to those without cars?

I agree that buses are very much a second rate alternative to cars but for some people they are the only option.

Originally posted by slimsid2000
So what happens to those without cars?

I agree that buses are very much a second rate alternative to cars but for some people they are the only option.

For someone who claims to be a capitalist-loving Tory, you don't half come out with some Left-wing Socialist bull.

:loopy:

If there are no buses, then surely you should be ordering us to either buy a car or walk?

I went out this afternoon into town and back and have to say the roads seemed to flow nicely without buses getting in the way. I did expect jams galore but it was no different, or possibly even better than usual. We're constantly told about how great buses are but are they really an effective method of transport? Imagine the roads with no buses getting in the way and no bus lanes, doubling capacity on many roads. Seems good to me. And if pollution is a worry, Jeremy Clarkson revealed on Top Gear that in terms of fuel consumed per passenger, trains are heavier consumers than cars. Bearing in mind the fact that buses are only ever full during the rush hours, I think that a similar study would reveal the same about fuel per passenger by bus. Let's get rid of those big, noisy, ugly diesel guzzlers, and as a result the (mainly) rude and unsafe drivers that are currently demonstrating their real commitment to their passengers.

thats rubbish, your saying that over half of bus drivers are rude. Thats not true for one. I see your being your usual inconsiderate self, makes a change. i dont drive and i dont feel like starting anytime soon either, for many reasons, therefore i use buses all the time, and never have any problems. bus drivers deserve a lot more respect than what they currently get, but then again so does everybody, and you struggle at that.

oh and how old are you t020? just curious.

Originally posted by Abdul
For someone who claims to be a capitalist-loving Tory, you don't half come out with some Left-wing Socialist bull.

I am not affiliated to any political party, I like to think i am too independantly minded for that. I like to judge each issue on its own merrits.

They should only buy LPG or Gas buses from now on IMO. Much cleaner.

Obviously if we scrapped buses there'd be no need to throw money at silly bus lane projects. Driving cars could be made cheaper by reducing the taxes involved, therefore making it more accessible to those who previously used the buses.

Originally posted by unners
Have you never heard of hazard perception??

The highway code states to give way IF it is safe to do so. Now you may be driving at a safe and legal speed but have a idiot up your bumper if you slow down to stop for that bus who has started pulling out he would be up your arras while bus drives on.

It is not always safe, a lot of the time the buses pull out when you are just about to overtake or have already started so for you to stop would be unsafe as yuo would be stopping in the middle of the road (unless the bus is in a layby). That is what it means, if you see the indicator with time to stop safely you should do so, but there will always be a point where you can't stop safely becuase you are too close to the bus. The only times I have to stop when I am too close is when the prat pulls out when I am right behind it about to overtake (with my signal on as well)

I've just narrowly avoided being squashed by a bus who drove through a red light on the pedestrian crossing by The Yorkshire Grey. I'm obviously feeling a little bit shaken.

It was a number 30 Double decker, registration number YN53 EFY.

Should I ring First or the police?

There were other people who also had to step back to avoid this bus, but I didn't think to ask them to be witnesses.

Id ring First, Give them the time as well cos they should be able to find out which 'prat' of a driver was in Charge of that bus.. Failing any action from First Id contact the Police and get this moron docked some points from his licence..

Hi firstly glad to here you are ok.Did you notice any cameras above the lights contact the bus company with the reg no & tell them all the details ,time etc & they should check the cctv footage if there is any.if you do not get any joy inform your local police station & give them all the facts.cheers

I've phoned First and reported it. They said that they'll speak to the driver and I'll get a letter through the post in a weeks time or so to say what's been done about it.

which means they'll do nothing. I had similar 6 months ago - bus through red light - never received the letter. After a fortnight I gave up ringing them.

Pity they can't go on strike again...

Makes a change from cyclists tearing through red lights.

I would suggest with buses the best bet is report to police.

Ahhhhh lovely fluffy bus drivers.
I could give you a great story about my first trip on the first day back off strike.

Don't want to give any clues away though, about who I might be in fear of a good beating.

It did involve breaking the Highway code, timetable incompetence and downright rudeness to members of the public.

Got to laugh though.

Originally posted by Andy C
Makes a change from cyclists tearing through red lights.

I would suggest with buses the best bet is report to police.

I don'tt condone cycling through red lights but I will point out that cyclists do not have the same pedestrian squashing capacity as a double decker bus.

Originally posted by Internetowl
which means they'll do nothing. I had similar 6 months ago - bus through red light - never received the letter. After a fortnight I gave up ringing them.

Pity they can't go on strike again...

Chase the bus company up, again, then, Internetowl...

I have the bus companies' numbers on my mobile on speed dial, because of the frequency with which i used to have problems with YT and Firstbus drivers refusing to operate the wheelchair ramp for me.

I report the bus to the company, as suggested above, with the following information:-
the fleet number or registration number of the bus, the time/date, the location of the incident, and route number. I also try to give a brief description of the driver.

I also phone when the driver has been particularly helpful or pleasant, with the same details.

Whichever reason I have to contact the bus companies for, I usually get an acknowlegement letter from them.

PT

I would just like to say that whilst I do not condone the alleged action of a bus driver or indeed any other motorist running a red light putting lives in danger it must be said that if there is not an independent witness in this particular instance then the police probably wont act on this then of course what if the driver denies the accusation and engages a solicitor it could end up rather expensive.

Do buses run red lights any more than taxis or normal car users? Happens all the time......

Originally posted by d71146
I would just like to say that whilst I do not condone the alleged action of a bus driver or indeed any other motorist running a red light putting lives in danger it must be said that if there is not an independent witness in this particular instance then the police probably wont act on this then of course what if the driver denies the accusation and engages a solicitor it could end up rather expensive.

Yup, I know. So there's not much point in phoning the police. I've been involved in much much nastier near misses on a bike and the police have been unwilling to even speak to the driver because I had no witnesses. I don't really have that much respect for the South Yorkshire police. I've never found them to be very helpful.

Originally posted by ptigga
Yup, I know. So there's not much point in phoning the police. I've been involved in much much nastier near misses on a bike and the police have been unwilling to even speak to the driver because I had no witnesses. I don't really have that much respect for the South Yorkshire police. I've never found them to be very helpful.

You mean because they won't take action on your accusation alone ?...hardly a fair critisism.

I was just thinking earlier on today that,what this forum needed was another bus driver thread.

Originally posted by Greybeard
You mean because they won't take action on your accusation alone ?...hardly a fair critisism.

The driver in question drove so close to me that he almost touched my bike, I hit the kerb, stopped and tumbled on to the pavement. The driver then backed up and shouted abuse at me for 5 minutes because "cyclicsts should be on the bloody pavement".

The police refused to even contact the driver. I guess that they would have gotten involved if I had been killed.