CT4N
First South West - Cornwall
First South West - Somerset
Go South Coast - Bluestar
Go South Coast - Salisbury Reds
Go South Coast - Southern Vectis
Go South Coast
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Stagecoach East Midlands
Stagecoach Lincolnshire
Stagecoach Lancaster
Stagecoach South
Stagecoach South West
Stagecoach Yorkshire
TM Travel
Other (please specify)
Q1 Which bus company do you work for?
Answered: 558 Skipped: 12
First
First
Q2 What is your job?
Answered:
ANSWER CHOICES
Q3 What is your gender?
Answered: 568 Skipped: 2
Prefer not to say
Q4 What is your age?
Answered: 570 Skipped: 0
Q5 Does your bus company operate buses in rural areas?
Answered: 568 Skipped: 2
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
Answered:
53 Routes withdrawn unless council paid more money 1/17/2025 11:52 AM
Medilinks buss taken off to cover highschool 1/17/2025 11:44 AM
Romsey services 35/6 1/17/2025 10:34 AM
56 Thanks to Bus Improvement Plans we have seen two services gain enhanced frequencies 1/17/2025 9:24 AM 57 Most rural services 1/17/2025 9:19 AM
58 Can go service was cut, some were reduced to running twice during weekdays only Couple of routes in town were cut but some became, part of new routes or reduced to an hourly service But these are not really used sometimes 1/17/2025 8:41 AM
Closure of Dartmouth depot 1/17/2025 7:50
62 Lost three service routes to tender 118,369 and 20 1/17/2025 1:14 AM 63 Reduction in some services during the day Reduction in services after 6pm, withdrawal of nonprofitable routes 1/17/2025 12:04 AM
They did their cutting of services over the past decade 1/16/2025 10:09 PM
Yeovil lost one of its 2 town routes, and also reduced its last remaining town route to 30min down from 15mins, service 54 reduced from 1.5 hourly to 2 hourly 1/16/2025 9:17 PM
68 Reduction in service on 24 to fowey and unintergrated from mevagissey end of run 1/16/2025 9:14 PM
69 Major network review reduction in most local services as well as a lot of the rural ones although the out of town “payers” services the company believe are worth it have increased 1/16/2025 9:01 PM
Service 46, service 61 1/16/2025 8:52 PM 71 Routes 9,10,13,15,17 cancelled or reduced 1/16/2025 8:50 PM
72 2A cancelled and part of it added to the 2 1/16/2025 8:38 PM
73 9 calshot 1/16/2025 8:22 PM
74 80 service 1/16/2025 8:22 PM
75 We have lost several services due t local authorities cutting funding and services deemed not profitable 1/16/2025 7:55 PM
76 Lost tender ,but also gain other routes 1/16/2025 7:51 PM
77 Morebus / Damory 1/16/2025 7:15 PM
78 Park and ride services reduced from 3 per hour to 2 per hour Recieved several complaints from passengers at the time 1/16/2025 7:05 PM
79 Number 6 reduced Exeter to Bude 1/16/2025 7:01 PM
80 Park and ride 1/16/2025 6:55 PM
81 7 service to totnes cut 2x tendered runs. 1/16/2025 6:29 PM
82 Bus services have had their frequency reduced For example, 39 service from Newton Abbot to Bovey tracey had the frequency reduced from every 30 minutes to every hour. 1/16/2025 6:22 PM
83 Service 10 to river way 1/16/2025 6:16 PM
84 Local routes reduced 1/16/2025 5:59 PM
85 A few services have been withdrawn 1/16/2025 5:15 PM 86 Exeter express services 1/16/2025 5:05 PM
If
ANSWER CHOICES
Answered:
thin services over previous years now make it impossible to get to and from work weekdays and reduced Sunday services make child visitations of a full day impossible for single
service, poorly timed so run late, evening service has dropped from 30 min service to hourly and worse, wrong buses(too small)
The elongated wait times reflect on passenger moods, and of course it's the drivers fault being the face of the company 1/19/2025 6:53 PM
The college buses that were cut took place after students had taken places based on the available transport at the time 1/18/2025 9:47 PM
The town of Whitchurch has lost its regular service from Winchester 1/17/2025 9:33 PM 35 Killing nightlife 1/17/2025 8:24 PM
36 It will have an impact, I can't say how big the impact is and if it is worth the cost saving because the services are so infrequent and unreliableanyway 1/17/2025 11:52 AM 37 Passengers complaining and abusing drivers 1/17/2025 11:44 AM
38 Think so but not sure as only pensioner's seem to comment, but they don't pay, even a little to keeping the route going 1/17/2025 8:41 AM
Always will have negative impact crowding on buses and bus running late as running time clipped as well 1/17/2025 8:06 AM 40 If breakdown happens over one hour to get to you 1/17/2025 7:50 AM
Fewer buses = more overcrowding on some services at peak times. Inability to travel reliably and conveniently after 6pm in particular due to poor frequency of services in some areastown and rural 1/17/2025 12:04 AM 42 Less people are coming by bus and using other transport 1/16/2025 9:21 PM
It’s no longer a service for working people as morning buses are so few no one can rely on them to get to work, and they don’t run frequently enough to warrant waiting for the bus if you don’t finish work at the “correct” time 1/16/2025 9:17 PM
44 People who work across the cut point of this run find it difficult and expensive to continue to asda from mevagissey or pentewan and mevagissey from fowey direction 1/16/2025 9:14 PM
45 To many to mention on here speak to our union rep 1/16/2025 9:01 PM
46 People in rural areas are worried how they will get their shopping and attend appointments. 1/16/2025 8:52 PM
47 Yes some local town estates now isolated 1/16/2025 8:50 PM
48 Passengers used to be able to travel to and from the community centre, but can only do that in one direction without swapping busses 1/16/2025 8:38 PM 49 Customer feedback 1/16/2025 8:22 PM
50 The service went to another company who also pulled out, followed by another company 1/16/2025 8:22 PM 51 Some rural areas have been completely cut off with no bus service at all 1/16/2025 7:55 PM
52 All routes are still running by other bus company's 1/16/2025 7:51 PM
53 We are sometimes a lifeline to a community as not everyone owns or drives a car 1/16/2025 7:06 PM
54 I personally know a few passengers who stopped using the service as it no longer met their travel needs 1/16/2025 7:05 PM
55 Yes, less flexibility for workers & students who had a high reliance on this service 1/16/2025 7:01 PM 56 Loss of good revenue 1/16/2025 6:55 PM
57 Passengers can no longer get “the last bus to Dartmouth” at 7 30 as it’s considerably before that now 1/16/2025 6:29 PM
58 Reducing the frequency of routes and constantly changing timetables has a detrimental effect on the ability for people to travel without having to drive Forcing more people to drive has a knock on effect for bus drivers as there is more traffic on the roads which means more late running and late finishes 1/16/2025 6:22 PM
59 It has had a hugely negative impact on the older generation as it means they have to get off down a rather large hill and walk to their house, that is hard for them to do 1/16/2025 6:16 PM
Extended waiting times 1/16/2025
People seem
74
75
76
77 lack of service for disabled and elderly 1/16/2025 3:56 PM
78 No direct services anymore to big cities time consuming journeys put people off to travelling 1/16/2025 3:55 PM
79 A lot of people used the service and could be seen as a lifeline to those travelling from the north east of England into Manchester and Birmingham. 1/16/2025 3:53 PM
80 When breakdown happens people have to wait longer 1/16/2025 3:51 PM
81 All services have reduced so passengers have to lack of service 1/16/2025 3:48 PM
82 No service 1/16/2025 3:47 PM
83
Those in Whitchurch now have to get a bus to Andover and then to Winchester. This has doubled their travelling time The only other service that runs through Whitchurch is primarily for students, which is now running completely full every weekday morning and afternoon 1/16/2025 3:46 PM
84 39 service (Romsey - No Man Land), gives direct service for passengers to eg. Doctor appointment in Romsey from Wellow In last days of service operations they've worried about that, they have go to Southampton to chagne to bus to Romsey that make their commute from 20 minutes to about 2hrs each way
1/16/2025 3:45 PM
85 It’s negative because it’s over a mile away to where the bus curtails in Fawley Square 1/16/2025 3:43 PM
Q8 In 2021, the previous Government introduced a National Bus Strategy. This required all local transport authorities to prepare a Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) and enter into an Enhanced Partnership with the bus operators in their area. Since the 2021 National Bus Strategy and subsequent Enhanced Partnerships were introduced, have you witnessed any improvements to bus services in your area? Please give details.
Answered: 480 Skipped: 90
Tendered services previously withdrawn had been reinstated, such as the 30/31 in Plymouth 1/17/2025 4:33 PM
Any improvement was by bus operator Bcp anti bus Money wasted on cycle lanes that only a very small minority will ever use 1/17/2025 2:54 PM
Route 64 from Winchester to Alton enhanced on Sundays, Route 66 Winchester to Romsey enhanced from hourly to half-hourly six days a week and city service 5 Winchester to Badger Farm increased from every 15 to 12 minutes Mondays to Fridays 1/17/2025 9:24 AM
59 Buses are always late, duty boards have less and less time on them each time they change and more and more services are crammed in giving the drivers zero chance of being on time 1/17/2025 8:06 AM
Increased services on a couple of routes and a new fleet of vehicles at our depot 1/17/2025 6:03 AM
Services have never been restored to pre pandemic
1/16/2025 10:09 PM 65 Seemingly better contact between local council & bus company, joint working to find solutions Bus lane installation & bus stop relocations currently taking place seem positive 1/16/2025 9:36 PM 66 Just newer more efficient buses, ie electric/hybrid/hydrogen 1/16/2025 9:21
67 It’s only gotten worse, less services, filthy buses, terrible maintenance of buses, and general disdain of bus workers 1/16/2025 9:17 PM 68 Enhancement to some Sunday and evening services 1/16/2025 9:16 PM 69 Generally only confusion as 2 operators mix and match services Ticketing joint acceptance however was positive 1/16/2025 9:14 PM
70 We are only a small depot the big fish depots tale up most of the commercial time 1/16/2025 9:01 PM
71 Plymouth has been replacing all the bus stops but haven't planned it very well causing shelters to be placed in the way of busses being able to park near the curb l 1/16/2025 8:38 PM
72 Do not know Have changed areas too recently to comment 1/16/2025 8:22 PM
73 Service 92 went from 5 buses a day to every hour between 06:00-20:00 1/16/2025 7:54 PM
74 But also no due the old buses breaking down, so some buses are pulled from routes leaving passengers waiting longer the usual 1/16/2025 7:51 PM
75 Services made more regular in rural areas Also buses upgraded to New or newer vehicles 1/16/2025 7:48 PM
76 Most rural areas are served at least once a day 1/16/2025 7:06 PM
77 Increase of frequency to the Activ8 service 1/16/2025 7:05 PM
78 I started driving in 2020, and its been quite steady. 1/16/2025 7:02 PM
County Council launched “Devon Bus” a couple of months ago, with the aim of improving bus services However, I have not seen any improvements
Answered: 498 Skipped: 72
49 The 6 from Okehampton Railway station to Bude/Exeter co-ordinates some of the time but sometimes the bus connections are a bit tight if running late due to road traffic etc.
1/16/2025 7:01 PM
50 Some do some don't 1/16/2025 6:53 PM
51 We often do rail replacement 1/16/2025 6:29 PM
52 A couple of routes are timed around train services 1/16/2025 6:22 PM
53
The rail network here is very limited. We stop near all but one station. Ferries are more significant and all are served well by buses 1/16/2025 5:50 PM
54 I often get the train from Poole to Christchurch to see my mother in Burton The 1b departs just before the train is due into the station. 1/16/2025 5:47 PM
55 For University mainly 1/16/2025 5:37 PM
56 To some extent! They might connect with stations, but whether they connect well with train arrivals/departures is another thing! 1/16/2025 5:28 PM
57 Trams 1/16/2025 5:15 PM
58 There is plenty of opportunity for routes (such as T1 and 17) to sync with train times at St Erth station but they don't 1/16/2025 5:01 PM
62 Trams 1/16/2025 4:14 PM
63 We work with Derbyshire and South Yorkshire to provide tickets that link onto other forms However I feel that there is nothing for our main county in Nottinghamshire where there is no evident ticket in place that links to
I've answered not sure Because though we have writing to inform us to wait for intending passengers from island rail the timings don't always link up 1/16/2025 3:44 PM 73 We have a bus that links with the Red Funnel Red Jet service Also, some morning Bluestar 1s divert via Winchester Rail Station 1/16/2025 3:43 PM
than it does to travel to London
Unfortunately companies won't run services if they aren't being used 1/17/2025 10:05 AM 28 With in reason 1/17/2025 8:07 AM
29 I agree communities should have access to bus services but sometimes it's not economical to provide that service as it's rarely used and cost of vehicle, fuel and driver outweighs the cost recieved 1/17/2025 7:52 AM
more services to all
10:18
32 Subject to safe route planning so that a route along narrow roads unsuitable for large vehicles, doesn't cause issues for drivers Every community has isolated people, every bus service can make a difference 1/16/2025 9:44 PM 33 20 minute frequency or better offer a viable alternative to the car and can encourage modal shift 1/16/2025 9:27 PM
Local services should be so frequent as to not required looking at a timetable (i.e. every 5-10 minutes) 1/16/2025 7:11 PM
Everybody has the right to access a reliable, economical local bus services otherwise a community of people can become very isolated causing mental & physical health issues Not everyone is able to drive or afford to keep a car so fares should be kept economical too 1/16/2025 7:10 PM 38 The minimum frequency of local routes in larger settlements should be 20 minutes 1/16/2025 6:28 PM
Within reason 1/16/2025 6:22 PM 40 Even the most remote places should have an hourly service 1/16/2025 6:00 PM
But only if there is central funding 1/16/2025 5:53 PM 42 As long as it’s used and paid for then everyone should have access to public transportation 1/16/2025 5:50 PM
Impractical 1/16/2025 5:28 PM 44 Bus services are part of the local community Cutting services or reducing them is nearly always justified by stating that they are no longer financially viable - and let's face it, it's 1/16/2025 5:11 PM
difficult to challenge that reasoning However, by using this reason to reduce service levels or to cut services altogether, they demonstrate that the deregulation of the 1980s is failing our communities
45 I think the services should be given a chance in all areas but if not used then allow the frequency to be reduced 1/16/2025 5:08 PM
46 depends on how many people use it 1/16/2025 5:00 PM
47 Yes in rural areas yes in city lots of bus due to demand and profit 1/16/2025 4:41 PM
48 especially areas with a lot of older people or No access to a car 1/16/2025 4:40 PM
49 Provides a comfort to customers and may help passenger numbers by giving them reassurance that their local area won't be forgotten about 1/16/2025 4:11 PM
50 This depends on customer patronage especially when running evening services 1/16/2025 4:11 PM
51 No its wasteful to give an area a bus every half hour if no one ever gets on it just for a blanket 'everyone has buses' exercise. particularly when those resources ca be better used on busier outes that may be overcrowded 1/16/2025 4:10 PM
52 If people don’t use the bus, then there’s no point running empty buses. 1/16/2025 4:10 PM
53 Needs to be at least a bit sustsinable Pointless throwing money at no hope scenarios 1/16/2025 4:08 PM
54 Lack of drivers virtually impossible to have a guarenteed service also traffic 1/16/2025 4:04 PM
55 At least minimum services better than nothing 1/16/2025 4:00 PM
56 Most 1/16/2025 3:59 PM
57 If we are to continue to push people out of their cars, then they must be able to get to their destinations when and where needed. 1/16/2025 3:57 PM
58 Frequency and last bus poor in area 1/16/2025 3:53 PM
59 I would say depends of size of community, as some places wouldn't have enough customers 1/16/2025 3:51 PM
60 Trispen/St Erme awful and irregular service 1/16/2025 3:49 PM
61 Yeah their are certain parts of the island such as havenstreet and porchfield don't have a bus service. 1/16/2025 3:45 PM
62 Some communities we serve have a bus every 10 mins whereas others have one every two hours or so 1/16/2025 3:44 PM
63 Not if they are a cunty community 1/16/2025 3:42 PM
Answered:
desperately short on busses and or funding to get busses back on the road quicker which as a result ends up with less than sufficient bus allocation
Money gets wasted on useless cycle lane schemes Any road improvements don't involve consulting bus company Several roundabouts in the area were modified but buses and HGV's didn't fit round them so money wasted having to adjust them again.
The major companies especially in my area where council own 80% of major bus company doesn't fairly dispense funding and service is cut then there own company receives funding hence just shifting money from one account to the other in my eyes
not sure on funding, but it doesn't always result in better services 1/16/2025 4:40 PM
There is always scope to build a better service and that depends on how much funding is available. 1/16/2025 4:11 PM 48 NO but it needs to be properly ringfenced so its not syphoned off into some crackpot scheme thats 'owned by councillors' 1/16/2025 4:10 PM
Answered:
in conrwall provide a terrible service and putting the buses into that umbrella would only be
As long as lessons are leaned from TFL failureshttps://saferoxfordstreet blogspot com/2025/01/a-few-facts-about-operationalsafety.html?m=1
run that matters, should be run for the good of the poeple 1/20/2025 12:25 PM
The bus company will know and understand which are areas need funding in the public transport area. 1/20/2025 12:15 PM
I'm not sure
Local transport authorities badly funded They could not afford to operate modern or update with new technologies ie, electric bus fleet from scratch That's why they sold them off years ago 1/17/2025 2:54 PM
It couldn’t be any worse than first bus, First bus “steal” public money and then fail to deliver services or buses to the standard required
45 A govt body does not have the entrepreneurs and vision 1/16/2025 7:08 PM
46 Local authorities have been closing amenities for years 1/16/2025 7:07 PM
47 Local Authorities are Corrupt 1/16/2025 7:00 PM
48 Services would ideally be based on a public need rather than profit 1/16/2025 6:28 PM
49 If the money was there yes 1/16/2025 6:14 PM
50 Possibly I suspect the Isle of Wight dues pretty well at the moment 1/16/2025 5:53 PM
51 This is not a simple yes/no answer. I think LTA's should be legally and publicly accountable for ensuring that their networks are comprehensive and that they actually do provide their communities with bus services that are fit for purpose 1/16/2025 5:11 PM
52 Cornwall council have shown time and again on numerous issues to be slow and not interested in what is best for the community 1/16/2025 5:08 PM
53 Without significant resourcing it's a non starter. 1/16/2025 5:00 PM
54 Az long as the company is run as close to a public service as allowable! 1/16/2025 4:55 PM
55 I can see pros and cons with this but it may lead to less funding for some rural areas with lower populations 1/16/2025 4:54 PM
56 I think that fares need to be equal nationwide 1/16/2025 4:40 PM
57 I do not understand this question 1/16/2025 4:19 PM
58 Unless the local councils pumped more money in 1/16/2025 4:16 PM
59 Allows the local areas to operate a better service in my opinion Instead of having to cross over into many different companies for answers etc it should be one giant operator which would streamline operations 1/16/2025 4:11 PM
60 Absolutely as they can then have an overview of what is required 1/16/2025 4:11 PM
61 definately not if its really need franchising / tendering is the way to do it Counmcils are notoriously corrupt just look at the grooming scandal all up to their necks in it now there all MPs... speaks volumes 1/16/2025 4:10 PM
62 They will still have the same problems, eg roadworks, road closures, amount of cars on the road. It would also depend on pay & conditions 1/16/2025 4:10 PM
63 The risks of purely political decisions are too great Decisions on services should never be political. 1/16/2025 4:08 PM
64 If all the other authorities are as dire as Sheffield then it's a definite NO 1/16/2025 4:02 PM
65 My local authority is very tight they wouldn't like to pay drivers enough to work for them 1/16/2025 4:00 PM
66 not sure 1/16/2025 3:57 PM
67 If all bus companies where government owned every counties would be fare for drivers and customers alike 1/16/2025 3:53 PM
68 Just look at public transport in Germany, Poland, France, where buses goes sometimes to middle of nowhere at least twice a day 1/16/2025 3:51 PM
69 Good idea 1/16/2025 3:50 PM
70 They do surveys but nothing changes even though we hear the complaints about poor services 1/16/2025 3:49 PM
that struggle to keep up with the cost of living are constantly moaning about prices, the deals that we have seen on weekends like "super saturday" are absolutely fantastic and I see a lot more people using our service, but once it goes back to normal, people never have enough money to pay, cards get declined and people can't afford to travel
a sudden a petition appears containing hundreds of signatures If a fraction of the people who signed the petition used the bus it might just become viable.
I have the right not to be attacked at work but that will never happen!!! Basic human rights don't exist with our elected dictator kier' Jong ' Starmer rolling the country towards Starmergeddon!
, if controlled properly an integrated public transport system like in many European countries would make improvements for all
As long as there are shareholders involved this will never happen
6:14 PM
I would add the really important adjective "safe" to reliable, regular, affordable, accessible mentioned in the question
There are people who live in rural areas who are no longer able to drive and the cost of taxis is extortionate so need a service they can use that is affordable 1/16/2025 5:08 PM
Here in W.Dorset I was driving a market day bus to connect local villages with the town. It was twice a week then once a week (a tourist nearly fainted when I told her how often!) and now, of course, it doesn't run at all - although there is a once company run service but now provided by volunteers using a council-lent bus!
1/16/2025 4:55 PM
27 we need to reduce pollution and reliance on cars 1/16/2025 4:40 PM
28 Not all areas of the UK are accessible. And put the driver and potential passengers in danger 1/16/2025 4:19 PM
29 For elderly 1/16/2025 4:16 PM
30 but again only if its actually used AND justified - if no one gets it , its a waste of resources 1/16/2025 4:10 PM
31 Desirable yes but a fundamental right no 1/16/2025 4:08 PM
32 Its a right but not attainable too many so called management with other agendas 1/16/2025 4:04 PM
33 It would help with cars on road a reliable service 1/16/2025 3:53 PM
What do you think is more of a priority for your bus company?
Answered: 466 Skipped:
WCM Drivers are the lowest paid at £13 an hour compared to same operators the rational behind this is about retaining
not
Locally, the Company could have been much more ruthless in stripping out unremunerative services than it has been, despite the overall profit motive.
9:25 AM
29 Once in a profitable position it could invest in vital services with government help 1/17/2025 8:59 AM
30 With in mind being able to take revenue to run the service 1/17/2025 8:44 AM
31 We've had our hours cut, and higher managers afford pay rises without any regards it has for staff, yet bosses get richer and we get closer to breadline, to many managers on high wages walking around, laughing and joking whilst we struggle to put food on table and pay bills my hour cut was 2.5 hrs over a year that equates to near £1800, even if we get a 50p rise this year doesn't cover the lose till following year, 0 1/17/2025 7:52 AM
32 Public transport needs to serve the community not shareholders pockets 1/16/2025 10:11 PM
33 You can't have one without the other 1/16/2025 9:48 PM
34 I think profit will always be first, but keeping customers happy is a close second, without them, there wouldn't be profits 1/16/2025 9:44 PM
35 Services should be provided and more profitable routes should cross subsides lower earning services to keep a fully connected network 1/16/2025 9:27 PM 36 But dressing it up as improvements 1/16/2025 9:19 PM
However, a public company making a profit would reinvest. 1/16/2025 8:25 PM 38 Private bus company's are only concerned with profit and how much they can make from local authorities and government to boost their coffers 1/16/2025 8:01 PM
39 It is a private company, anyone who thinks that profit is not always the priority for private companies is a fool 1/16/2025 7:11 PM
Keeping everyone connected & mobile 1/16/2025 7:10 PM
Obviously 1/16/2025 6:22 PM 42 They are so focused on cutting down costs within the company, so they can achieve this goal 1/16/2025 6:18 PM 43 A mixture of both 1/16/2025 6:00 PM 44 This is inevitable HoweverSouthern Vectis listens to local concerns and has made changes as a result 1/16/2025 5:53 PM
It’s a private company after all 1/16/2025 5:27 PM
None 1/16/2025 5:16 PM 47 The answer is obvious. A commercial Company's raison d'être is profit. 1/16/2025 5:11 PM 48 Without profit there can be no growth in resources unless more tax or council tax increases 1/16/2025 5:00 PM
52 This should always be a priority of public services 1/16/2025 4:40 PM
53 They focus too much in the image of the compay( drivers uniform and penny pinch, where they need to spend. They customers are 90% of the time happy when a bus is on time ard does break down 1/16/2025 4:19 PM
Both are
4:16
55 A profit is only beneficial for some A vital service for local communities is beneficial to more 1/16/2025 4:11 PM
56 its a business not a charity, although they seem to be big business now anyway 1/16/2025 4:10 PM
57 You can’t make a profit if you don’t have a vital service 1/16/2025 4:10 PM
58 You need to make a profit to survive BUT you mske a profit by providing a good quality service which encourages use 1/16/2025 4:08 PM
59 We are supposed to be charity based but money has dissapeared to fund non bus related enterprises by senior management 1/16/2025 4:04 PM
60 They are constantly collecting new tenders when they isn't the regular manpower to cover it, also some services were cut in half so the company may charge twice, one service the bus is the same bus! 57/99 service in Exmouth 1/16/2025 4:03 PM
61 Most child fares are the same as adult fares and there’s no reduction for return fares. 1/16/2025 3:49 PM
62 Without enough money we can't run the services 1/16/2025 3:45 PM
63 All companies put profit ahead of the people they say they are here to serve 1/16/2025 3:45 PM
Literally you hear of drivers leaving every day, and a company that actively seeks to punish workers for minor offences
Money and working conditions abysmal RMT should be ashamed of themselves, if you are sick 3 days nil pay , nobody can afford to be sick , I’ve just had a knee replacement and was getting 147 quid a week bloody disgusting, don’t think you would put up with that if railway workers
Q16 Why do you think bus workers leave the industry? Please tick all that apply.
Answered: 463 Skipped: 107
ANSWER
Total Respondents:
of full sick pay, abuse from certain passengers and not feeling supported or backed up by the company and police, services reducing adds on extra stress with the extra workload and tighter running times, lack of fleet investment, why should we be driving vehicles up to 20 years old with none effective heating in
or cooling in
Poor shift patterns and poor quality, unsafe and unreliable vehicles which are put back on the road without sufficient testing due to lack of buses to provide the services that they are contracted to do, lack of drivers also reduces the services, shocking unsociable rostas, no incentive to do overtime as no extra pay, very much a blame culture to the driver if something goes wrong, paid wholly less then hgv drivers yet have wholly more responsibility carrying passengers rather than cargo!!!
Poor legislation regarding domestic working hours, not enough breaks, driving too long before a break, not enough sleep, bus drivers should follow EU rules to get adequate rest and there should be fatigue based risk assessments but bus operators don't take their responsibility seriously
9:15 AM
8:59 AM 57 The vehicles are poorly maintained and damaging to the drivers aural and spinal health. Noisy with awful seats, cold and dirty cabs, fumes and hideous rest rooms
8:16 AM 58 Managers and directors running company like a dictatorship ie don't like it there's
poorly, just another component in the machine, humanity doesn't apply. 1/16/2025 10:16 PM 63 Ever changing rosters & rotas Constantly feel unsettled 1/16/2025 9:57 PM
Stress Unable to deal with passengers anymore 1/16/2025 9:53
75 Because drivers like myself have had enough of not being looked after ! All managers care about is getting their Christmas bonus and that’s it!
Unsociable hours and poor rosters that the company seemingly forces through by giving our RMT reps as little notice as possible
experienced drivers at an adjacent depot left to work in a lower skilled warehouse nearby for more money and better shifts
Irregular hours. Constant monitoring. Lack of flexibility over holidays. Any incident is often somehow turned round to better driver’s fault Drivers feel intimidated by management Higher management make decisions without really investigating outcomes
for the
Unpaid breaks mean you have to be away from home for a long time to make any money and lead to a poor work life balance Driver's are always complaining about it, and I used to drive till recently and experienced it
of work If you compare driver seat in UK to colleagues from Germany or Poland, where bus drivers have air suspension seats, full aircon as standard etc
All these reasons Pay is still well below what our responsibilities and stressful conditions All made worse when not having long enough rest periods between shifts, sometimes only 8 5 hours!
Q17 Are there any unfilled vacancies at your company?
Answered: 464 Skipped: 106
ANSWER CHOICES
Q18 Do you think the bus sector is experiencing a recruitment and retention crisis?
contracts are heavily against the driver and segregate older contracts, encouraging infighting and division, these are companies that couldn't care less about rights, needs if its workers.
The government apprentice scheme is being abused by Stagecoach, they don’t care if you leave because they can get money from the government to train a new one
at the company I work for receive poor training and no back up when they make a mistake or have an accident 1/18/2025 3:16 PM 27 Has done for the last 3 years Unfortunately they fill the gap with foreign workers who have little driver knowledge and increased accidents rates 1/18/2025
My company think if you don't want to do it someone will do but they are always short of drivers 1/17/2025 2:53 PM
31 At the moment it's ok Sometimes there is a problem, but there were some significant pay rises over the past two years and this has settled things down. 1/17/2025 9:27 AM
32 Has
Poor pay long hours rosters and duties not at all driver friendly bus companies should realise we have families some of my duties are nearly 12 hours long way from home for 13 or 14 hours and 1/17/2025 7:57 AM
No benefits anymore 1/17/2025 7:56 AM
A lot of drivers have joined us because our pay is better 1/17/2025 6:53 AM
Retention is an issue - once new joiners realise what life is really like as a bus worker, they vote with their feet ! 1/17/2025 12:13 AM
Our Company had struggled with retention tho a better than average pay increase helped slow loses and aided recruitment . and 1/16/2025 9:33 PM
Why have the responsibility of people’s lives for the same pay or less as a McDonald’s worker, 1/16/2025 9:23 PM
Has been for many years now 1/16/2025 9:03 PM
43 A retention crisis yes. 1/16/2025 7:52
44 No sooner are people recruited then people leave & the place is short staffed again There is a quick turnover staff. 1/16/2025 7:19 PM
45 Because they do not want old drivers, which have left the business to return! 1/16/2025 7:17 PM
46 Definitely a retention issue 1/16/2025 7:12 PM
47 I feel that the driver shortages are mostly a thing of the past at Stagecoach South West However, staff turnover is still an issue I cannot speak for other areas though 1/16/2025 6:32 PM 48 Certainly a high turnover of drivers 1/16/2025 6:24 PM
Recruiting 1/16/2025 6:19 PM
50 In first bus definitely not so much 1/16/2025 6:17 PM
51
Recruitment is easy Retention less so The driver is under lots of pressure and this, along with hours and duty allocation causes many to leave There is also a tendency to ‘go for the right type of person’ (often female) rather than someone who will deal with the issues surrounding the job, including collisions etc. 1/16/2025 5:59 PM
52 It’s a great job but the long hours and low wages make people have to leave 1/16/2025 5:51 PM
53 The rate of pay at my company is above what the other companies pay so I don’t see a crisis 1/16/2025 5:31 PM
54 I’m not sure but I think there is a lot of thinking the grass is greener at different companies 1/16/2025 5:29 PM
55 This has been the case for many years. 1/16/2025 5:17 PM
56 First Kernow certainly is but our competitor Go Cornwall seems to have no issues as far as retention and recruitment is concerned 1/16/2025 5:15 PM
57 poor pay, a house cleaner is better paid 1/16/2025 5:04 PM
58 Retention is hard due to the above conditions 1/16/2025 4:44 PM 59 Can recruit but people don't stay 1/16/2025 4:29 PM
60 Has been for years since I started back in 2017 1/16/2025 4:25 PM
61 Absolutely New drivers are being pushed to limits and some crack under too much pressure I myself have only been in the industry for 1year but I see the effect it has around me 1/16/2025 4:13 PM 62 generally yes our area no because theres no other work for unskilled people 1/16/2025 4:12 PM 63 It’s not a crisis Our company definitely has a problem with retention 1/16/2025 4:12 PM
Retention an issue. No major recruitment pronlems now. 1/16/2025 4:11 PM
65 We are ecpected to drive like idiots to make time or we are punished with shorter breaks and management turning one driver against the other 1/16/2025 4:08 PM 66 People apply for a job but leaving after few months 1/16/2025 4:03 PM
68 Many new drivers didn't last a year 1/16/2025 3:55 PM
69 Retention, it's not for everyone 1/16/2025 3:51 PM
70 At least 50% leave with in 3 months 1/16/2025 3:51 PM
71 Difficulties with rural routes frighten away potential employees A lot leave in their first year for the same reason 1/16/2025 3:50 PM
Q19 Do you think bus regulation (also referred to as franchising), whereby local authorities design the bus network and then put service contracts out to tender to bus operators (i.e. what has been rolled out in Manchester) is likely to have an impact on bus worker pay, jobs and conditions? Please give details.
Answered: 464
Skipped: 106
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
Yes - I think jobs and conditions would improve
Yes - I think jobs and conditions would worsen
No - I do not think it will impact jobs and conditions
Not sure
Having been part of the initial rollout in Manchester the network listening to the mayor and drivers and the company I think overall the set up although at times seemed poorly managed shows great promise with regards to pay conditions the overall experience of both drivers and the passengers across the entire network once it’s all completed and in place
Franchising means that a fixed amount has to be paid to the authority which must be covered before a profit can be made
I'd like to think that it would improve conditions for the drivers but in practicality I can't see how it would when all the companies would be held to the same expectation
When the contracts are put out to tender then the pay rates, terms and conditions of the workers should be included in the contract specification, better pay and conditions will lead to better drivers, better care from the driver and a pride in the job
Local authorities have no idea what works and doesn't, we'll be left to try run a service that's not been optimised for our running costs and driver well being
know
blogspot com/2025/01/a-few-facts-about-operational-safety html?m=1 1/20/2025 9:57 PM
I think it would be a race to the bottom, nationalised bus industry is the only answer 1/20/2025 5:03 PM
If there is competition it could improve pay and conditions but if one company monopolises the area then you will be worse off
I think this would have an impact on,workers rights and conditions also take away power from the union protection of it's members!
Unless there is a complete pay structure across all areas of the country, rural areas will continue to be paid much less than city drivers, despite same living costs 1/17/2025 8:44 PM
Local authorites want the cheapest - which then leads to cutting corners by companies wanting those contracts 1/17/2025 9:01 AM
We wait to see, it isn't nationalisation so profit is still the strategic priority. 1/16/2025 10:16 PM
If companies have to tender for franchises then this could put pay & conditions under pressure in attempts to save money to improve chances of a successful bid 1/16/2025 9:33 PM
27 If profits are limited for companies they will squeeze the workers 1/16/2025 9:21 PM 28 This has not worked with the railways 1/16/2025 8:27 PM 29 But it is to us and our strong union to make sure things improve for all parties 1/16/2025 8:18 PM
Companies will undercut each other and the drivers will pay the price 1/16/2025 7:59 PM
There are relatively few operators in our rural area and they might use the changes to reduces wages and change working conditions for the worse 1/16/2025 7:53 PM
32 I believe that when local authorities are more involved this improves for both passengers & workers Since privatisation of bus companies everyone has suffered because the services are managed remotely by non local people who have no idea what is best for the local communities. They are all for profit & don't care. 1/16/2025 7:19 PM 33 I don’t see franchising as any different to running tendered services Even if it would mean a guaranteed stable income for the company, I doubt that this would be reinvested into it’s employees 1/16/2025 6:32 PM
In Southampton the council don’t like buses first pulled out because. Of it . 1/16/2025 6:17 PM
I suppose the obvious question is what impact has this had in areas where franchising has already been rolled out?
It's still "for profit" if we do franchising and so any steps to make that profit have the potential to impact on lower grade staff.
The same recruitment problems would continue I feel as bus driving in my area is often seen as too difficult 1/16/2025 3:50 PM 49 Daft idea for where I live we have part franchise at the moment and it it a total shambles let's go back to 1980s and 1990s when buses were run properly and actually served the people at all times of day and night 7 days a week 1/16/2025 3:48 PM
Q20
Answered: 455 Skipped:
In a lone wroking environment it would put the individual at risk, there is no incentive salary wise and there would be little interest from the company who would insist it would be our problem not theirs
with by the police or government/local should budget for a security guard to deal with it 1/20/2025 12:27 PM
We are drivers , not for tackling crime 1/17/2025 4:00 PM
34 I'm not a police officer, why should I do their job 1/17/2025 2:55 PM 35 Drivers could potentially be liable for “not spotting” criminal behaviour, also they could potentially be putting themselves at risk if they were known by criminals to be reporting incidents! 1/17/2025 12:48 PM
36 Putting drivers in danger really 1/17/2025 11:50 AM 37 We have enough responsibilitys to deal with without additional responsibility 1/17/2025 10:09 AM
38 Often you cannot see what is going on inside the vehicle. 1/17/2025 9:28 AM
39 We have enough to concentrate on driveing and customer service The police need to be used for that, need a bigger police presence in towns and routes, they need to be seen travelling on bus services 1/17/2025 9:07 AM
40 Identify but not challenge 1/17/2025 8:17 AM
41 But we are on our own and police don't respond to calls, I've been assaulted and nothing done why should we be put in that situation in 1st place 1/17/2025 8:07 AM
42 But to enforce or confront definitely no as I would not put myself at risk 1/17/2025 6:55 AM
43
Because we are not paid to actually decide what constitutes criminal or antisocial behaviour That is the role of the police and judiciary ultimately We have enough role-related obligations to contend with as it is ! 1/17/2025 12:45 AM
44 We are not social workers or police officers 1/16/2025 9:25 PM
45
Some maybe but unless there are discreet lines of communication it will go unreported A driver needs to concerntrate on driving Fund the police to police 1/16/2025 9:24 PM
46 Bus drivers already have huge responsibility for their passengers safety To make drivers into bouncers is a step too far 1/16/2025 8:47 PM
47 I need to stay in the cab and protect my own safety Where is my support? Where are inspectors? Where is any law enforcing presence on any bus? 1/16/2025 8:30 PM
48 In order to react accordingley eg Call police or request assistance from elsewhere 1/16/2025 7:28 PM
49 It is already quite easy to identify people causing trouble so I do not think it would be impractical to further expand on this 1/16/2025 6:37 PM
50 Drivers jobs are demanding enough as is 1/16/2025 6:26 PM
51 We have enough to concentrate on with driving 1/16/2025 6:22 PM
52 I’m driveing I put my self at risk by doing this I would live the buses and get a different job 1/16/2025 6:20 PM
53 No back up from police/employer/local council 1/16/2025 6:02 PM
54 Bus workers can't avoid noting ASB. I think that it should be a legal and moral OBLIGATION for bus OPERATORS to work with relevant local enforcement agencies to ensure that there are ways for workers to report ASB and suspect criminal activity without placing themselves in any danger as a result, to fully investigate ALL such concerns raised by workers and be able to actively show how they have done so. Furthermore, I believe that once an ASB concern has been formally reported by workers or members of the public, bus operators should be held at least partially responsible and legally accountable should they fail to effectively follow up on the report 1/16/2025 5:44 PM
55 Main concentration is the drive 1/16/2025 5:41 PM
56 But not while driving! 1/16/2025 5:33 PM
57 A driver can identify it now, but would you want to take action It is a police matter 1/16/2025 5:06 PM
58 Too busy concentrating on driving 1/16/2025 5:00 PM
59 Bus drivers already have enough responsibilities We are not traffic wardens or police 1/16/2025 4:58 PM 60 Not a drivers role 1/16/2025 4:57 PM
61 With training as all situations are different and may low level criminals carry weapons 1/16/2025 4:51 PM
62 lack of time means that we don't have time to deal with challenging behaviour 1/16/2025 4:49 PM
63 And if we did who would you contact as no one turns up when a driver is being assaulted 1/16/2025 4:17 PM
64 Absolutely. ASB can deter people away from using public transport again. 1/16/2025 4:15 PM
65 Especially with cctv fitted vehicles 1/16/2025 4:15 PM
66 Could make that driver open to reprisals from said criminal and victims 1/16/2025 4:12 PM
67 Not if it detracts from the primary function of safely driving through vehicle 1/16/2025 4:09 PM
68 Our attention should be on the road 1/16/2025 4:05 PM
69 Expose to trouble even more 1/16/2025 4:05 PM
70 How can we get involved? Told never to leave our cab and not to use phone in cab We wouldn’t ever get company back us They would always look for any reason to sack us 1/16/2025 4:00 PM
71 Once these people find out it’s bus drivers being the eyes it could lead to repercussions 1/16/2025 3:57 PM
72 With concentration levels required for our rural routes being higher than normal, I perceived difficulties in drivers being sufficiently aware of problems on buses (especially on double decks where the ability to observe the upper deck is limited) 1/16/2025 3:55 PM
73 You are a lone worker with no support if things turn sour the police are a complete joke 1/16/2025 3:52 PM
74 Your not aloud out your cab To ask people not to drink/smoke You are powerless as the company doesn't back you So why train you to identify something you can do nothing about 1/16/2025 3:47 PM
Answered: 453 Skipped:
I can't drive a bus and police the behaviour of my passengers at the same time I won't be granted any kind of protection like a community support officer or a bouncer has, bith in the physical sense of equipment or in the legal sense of I have to intervene in a situation
PM 30 But would need to be done from the cab to protect the driver, it would help if the police responded quickly and companies banned trouble makers none of which happens at present 1/20/2025 12:32 PM
not
officers 1/19/2025 2:33
Workers should not have to put themselves in situations that put them or others at risk 1/19/2025 11:04 AM
36 In my case no because it would further put us in the front line and there is absolutely no back up from management 1/18/2025 3:24 PM
37 Several bus drivers have already been attacked including one stabbed to death by a 15 year old because there was no seat left for him to travel 1/18/2025 10:09 AM
It's bad enough for us to put up with the behaviour of people who don't think they should pay or think it's ok to drink alcohol on the bus 1/17/2025 2:59 PM
We're not police officers. We have no training and I certainly wouldn't want to confront some knife welding dickhead! 1/17/2025 2:55 PM
It would be very easy to put yourself in the way of danger We are always rightly told not to do that 1/17/2025 9:28 AM
We have no authority over people who are involved - again that is a police issue They have training facilities and tools for that job - you cant expect to hold up a bus SERVICE because the drivers are dealing qith anti social behaviour THAT IS A BLOODY JOKE, AND CANT
IT IS EVEN BEING CONSIDERED 1/17/2025 9:07 AM
46 Were paid to drive and issue fares, not police bus as recent events on buses of stabbings proves you never know what the situation is your entering 1/17/2025 8:07 AM
47 Reporting to authorities yes but not intervening 1/17/2025 7:24 AM
48 What does that even mean ? Ie "respond" There are many levels of response to any given situation including calling the non-existent local police to deal with ASB ! 1/17/2025 12:45 AM
49 Not safely Install pnic buttons and radio by law and let the police do their job rather than us 1/16/2025 10:00 PM
50 With no powers? That won't work 1/16/2025 9:53 PM
51 I often deal with anti social people on my bus to a point but that is my choice Making it part of the job would require trying, more pay and powers/authority or it’s just a waste of time. Also as a majority of drivers at the moment are either older generation or women this would be a bad decision I feel 1/16/2025 9:25 PM
52 I’m barely paid enough to drive a bus I’m not stopping criminal activity 1/16/2025 9:25 PM
53 It’s best to stay in the cab 1/16/2025 9:18 PM
54 Other than calling somebody to notify them about something the driver has witnessed is too much to ask of people already mentally and emotionally stretched to the limit 1/16/2025 8:47 PM
55 My own safety is number 1 priority 1/16/2025 8:30 PM
56 But only if the bus worker feels able to, and not face protection for doing so 1/16/2025 8:29 PM
57 Personal safety is paramount - the police should be responding. 1/16/2025 7:28 PM
58 Not enough pay to get yourself stabbed 1/16/2025 7:02 PM
59 Bus drivers should not be expected to respond to these situations due to being alone and potentially in a remote location 1/16/2025 6:37 PM
60 As above 1/16/2025
I’m not a police officer 1/16/2025 6:20
63 As the company would still hold the driver liable for cash takings, the vehicle and the passengers whilst going to help someone else. 1/16/2025 6:06 PM
64 Far better for this to be followed up using security cameras Not a good idea to take things into our own hands. 1/16/2025 6:00 PM
65 It’s too dangerous
66 Imagine the situation: a bus driver is operating a late shift during the holiday season in Cornwall when a group of drunk men board the bus and begin to verbally or physically abuse other people on the bus If the bus driver does intervene, he would almost certainly be putting himself in serious physical danger - if he doesn't intervene he could be failing to meet a legal obligation and face disciplinary and possibly legal action 1/16/2025 5:44 PM 67 If we’re fully aware of situations 1/16/2025 5:33 PM
68 There is no way I'm putting myself in harms way 1/16/2025 5:18 PM 69 Most drivers would end up being assaulted 1/16/2025 5:06 PM
70 It is going depend on many factors but the safety of the worker and their passengers is paramount 1/16/2025 5:00 PM
71 Hard enough to keep to running schedules let alone pull bus over to deal with ASB let alone the fear of getting harmed 1/16/2025 5:00 PM
72 With caution 1/16/2025 4:58 PM
73 Not a drivers role 1/16/2025 4:57 PM
74 With training as sid before 1/16/2025 4:51
75 Lack of training and protective equipment could lead to more violent incidents 1/16/2025 4:49 PM 76 For obvious reasons, mainly lack of back up to lone workers 1/16/2025 4:15 PM
77 We are not police nor do we have the same terms and conditions as the police force 1/16/2025 4:12 PM
78 Putting themselves in danger is not on the JD and nor should it be We are not security! 1/16/2025 4:09 PM
Not ideal 1/16/2025 4:05 PM 80 In certain situations it could make the simuch worse 1/16/2025 4:01 PM 81 No, as we are alone, against someone or group or people with no back up or any form of selfe defence tools (eg peper spray) This is police job for respond 1/16/2025 4:01 PM
Without fear of job loss and/or prosecution! 1/16/2025 4:00 PM
3:56 PM
Anti-social and dangerous situations could be inflamed if driver intervention took place 1/16/2025 3:55 PM 86 No job is worth getting killed or seriously injured for you are just a number to any company 1/16/2025 3:52 PM 87 Your a bus driver not a police officer Will you get a stabb proof vest as standard uniform? 1/16/2025 3:47 PM 88 Being able to defend themselves without worrying about being sacked 1/16/2025 3:46 PM
Answered: 454 Skipped:
We are under constant scrutiny for our driving standards (rightfully) if we didn’t “prevent” an incident, then again, we would be blamed It is a hard enough job with so many factors taking into our daily work that preventing criminal activity would deviate our attention from the road 1/17/2025 12:48 PM
If we had the ability to contact anyone in control- radios often don’t work and controllers are overstretched 1/17/2025 8:17 AM
31 In what way risk my life and family to loss a member over a fare or robbery.And for what a fake ceremony and worthless certificate of thanks by managers that couldn't care n 1/17/2025 8:07 AM
32 My job is to get passengers safely to their destinations I’m bus driver not a policeman 1/17/2025 8:01 AM
33 We are a service industry - so our powers of 'prevention' in reality are always limited by company emphasis on "customer focus" and company image. To the company, everyone is a potential customer - even those who are rude, abusive etc So managing and preventing undesirable behaviour can be a real issue out on the front line 1/17/2025 12:45 AM
34 A boy was just stabbed 25 times on a bus by multiple assailants. What was the driver supposed to do other than radio it in 1/16/2025 10:00 PM
35 Not enough backup 1/16/2025 9:27 PM
36 No one person can’t stop a group 1/16/2025 9:18 PM
37 Only by having a single contact you can inform of your suspicions, who can then act on it 1/16/2025 8:47 PM
38 We can't even put signs up saying 'no vaping' Interchanges have 70 security cameras, security and little enforcement 1/16/2025 8:30 PM
39 It's not a bus drivers job That is the Police's job 1/16/2025 7:54 PM
40 We always try & prevent a situation but again this is the police' job . We are not police. We can only drive away from a situaion if/when possible to avoid trouble 1/16/2025 7:28 PM
41 We have a police service for that 1/16/2025 7:02 PM
42 I would personally feel incredibly uncomfortable knowing I would have to try and prevent conflict If I have to get out of the cab I would potentially be putting myself in harms way with little to no support due to being the sole operator of the vehicle. 1/16/2025 6:37 PM
43 As above 1/16/2025 6:26 PM
44 We are not backed up by management and police don’t turn up 1/16/2025 6:20 PM
I don't even know how a bus driver could prevent criminal or antisocial behaviour 1/16/2025 5:44 PM 47 Depends what we’re expected to do 1/16/2025 5:33 PM
48 Again the circumstances are going to be the deciding factor. 1/16/2025 5:00 PM
49 I used to work for police and have seen first hand where intent to harm or cause damage so intervening won’t stop them and then risks harm to us 1/16/2025 5:00 PM 50 Police work not a drivers 1/16/2025 4:57 PM 51 I refer to my previous statement 1/16/2025 4:51 PM
For above reason We already deal with things that were handled by other members of staff and lack of back up could lead to drivers being injured 1/16/2025 4:49 PM 53 We are not meant to leave the cab 1/16/2025 4:42 PM
Don’t think it would be safe to get too involved 1/16/2025 4:15
Putting themselves in danger is not on the JD and nor should it be We are not security! 1/16/2025 4:09 PM 57 There would be an unwillingness due to gender and pay related issues. If we are going to be security many would expect more pay for risk incurred 1/16/2025 4:06 PM
Conductors could! Drivers are busy!!! 1/16/2025 4:00
As above and that’s law enforcement job Not paid for that 1/16/2025 4:00 PM
That’s the job of the police 1/16/2025 3:57 PM 63 As above 1/16/2025 3:52 PM
Answered: 455 Skipped: 115
We are trained in avoiding conflict, and buses are built with enclosed defence screens, so that should tell government and local authorities the state of society that puts drivers at risk before people enter bus, not all passengers are like that but there are the ones that have no intention to pay before walking on were told to stay in cabs behind screen then public blame us for not doing anything 1/17/2025 8:07 AM
We have enough responsibility 1/17/2025 8:01 AM
30 Absolutely yes Because there is no clarity in company policies, no consistency in application of policies, insufficient community and police resources to support and assist as and when required I am only paid to drive a bus, not to be a PCSO/police behaviours of whoever, wherever at the same time. Where might the professional obligations for which I am already poorly paid therefore stop ?? 1/17/2025 12:45 AM
31 Of course it would 1/16/2025 9:53 PM 32 Absolutely I would want triple the pay I am getting now to even consider it 1/16/2025 8:47 PM
33 Again to much knife crime around and drug and alcohol enduced violence 1/16/2025 8:29 PM
34 Blue light workers get more than enough abuse , why do we need to 1/16/2025 8:14 PM
35 This is the police' job not ours . We can only try to avoid a situation to keep ourselves & others safe 1/16/2025 7:28 PM 36 Obviously 1/16/2025 6:20 PM
37 Not only giving drivers additional responsibility, but liability if they overstep their legal ability due to misunderstanding 1/16/2025 6:06 PM
38 The police receive training, are equipped with PPE (stab vests etc ) carry pepper spray and TASERS, have body cams and can call for back up The only PPE a bus driver has is his Hi Viz vest and an assault screen (if one is fitted - which is never guaranteed).
1/16/2025 5:44 PM
Q24 What measures could be introduced to reduce violent and anti-social behaviour on the bus network? Please tick all that apply.
Answered: 448 Skipped: 122
Comprehensive risk assessments
Working CCTV on all bus services
Working CCTV at all bus stops
No lone working at bus stations/dep... Action taken against perpetrators... Creation of a specific offence of Increased police presence in known are
Secondary locks for cabs
Panic buttons in all buses
Fully functioning assault scre... Increased presence of revenue
Temporary withdrawal of services in
Comprehensive risk assessments
Working CCTV on all bus services
Working CCTV at all bus stops
No lone working at bus stations/depots where the public have access
Action taken against perpetrators including banning repeat offenders from services
Creation of a specific offence of abusing or assaulting a bus worker at work
Increased police presence in known areas of concern
Secondary locks for cabs
Panic buttons in all buses
Fully functioning assault screens in all cabs
Increased presence of revenue protection staff on bus services
Temporary withdrawal of services in known areas of concern (until the ASB is addressed by police/local authority)
are some other possible solutions/ideas that have been suggested, but little or no action is ever taken by Companies who always cite cost as an obstacle.
A police force that prioritises attacks on attacks against bus drivers and staff as they are normally easy targets and no action is normally taken against the person or persons that assault bus driver's 1/16/2025 5:03 PM
Companies to help support the driver through the legal process if they have to attend intervie/ court They have legal teams for the company why not the drivers 1/16/2025 5:01 PM
29 A lot of these things have been removed, which makes bus drivers more vulnerable , especially at night when drug use and drinking related violence increases 1/16/2025 4:56 PM 30 Better training or any training what to do in situations 1/16/2025 4:50 PM
Real counciling for drivers and other transport related staff 1/16/2025 4:20 PM
Issue bus drivers with taser 1/16/2025 4:17 PM
33 Main areas are at bus stations where youths hang in groups We should be officially encouraged to refuse drunk or abusive people and allowing us to call immediate response Radios in every cab would be helpful. 1/16/2025 4:09 PM
34 We have law in Poland that give public transport workers same protection as police officer, since then attacks (physical and verbal) dropped. 1/16/2025 4:06 PM
35 In 20 years It just gets worse! 1/16/2025 4:03 PM
Ride on security teams to travel on bad routes 1/16/2025 3:49 PM 37 Stagecoach NE have a dedicated TSO to address ASB on vehicle and at bus stops 1/16/2025 3:46 PM
3rd another bus driver from another company passenger off for his behavior and language 1/17/2025 8:32 PM
covid lock down people's attitudes have changed No one has any patience any more 1/17/2025 2:57 PM
9:27 PM
31 Usually people on drugs or alcohol and also frequently people who believe they have the right to do whatever they want, absolutely entitled idiots 1/16/2025 8:51 PM
32 If u are black or a girl this happens daily 1/16/2025 6:23 PM
ASB is a daily reality for bus workers Whether it is verbal, physical or racial abuse right up to what I would confidently say are hate crimes I drive a bus for a living, I am not employed as any sort of law enforcement officer, and am not trained to do that job. Perhaps someone should ask the police whether they think this proposal is a viable or sensible option 1/16/2025 6:01 PM
35 Drunken people 1/16/2025 5:44 PM
36 Just in 6 months 1/16/2025 5:19 PM
37 I worked in a nice area 1/16/2025 5:09 PM
38 n/A in my present employment 1/16/2025 5:05 PM
39 Leaving work and people waiting for buses that are late expecting you to sort out the issue. Taken over buses at bus stops in the city and passing by or waiting for buses giving you a hard time 1/16/2025 5:03 PM
40 Yes verbally more then I can count Physical i have managed to avoid these But only by my quick thinking and ability see what was going happen 1/16/2025 5:01 PM
41 I am specially trained in mental health and without that training the situation could have got much worse 1/16/2025 4:56 PM
Q26 Do you think your employer currently has sufficient measures in place to protect bus workers from violent and anti-social behaviour at work?
Answered: 444 Skipped: 126
but what can they do, personally I don't like an
screen as I like to talk to
etc, its a risk I am happy to take, but when an assault is reported the first question shouldn't be 'did you have your assault screen up??'
33 We have no screens, handle cash all bus should have drop box, no radios and office staff finish before road staff so no back up, only a 24hr phone that's answered by a higher member of staff at home, if they answer it 1/17/2025 8:12 AM
34 But we don't ban anyone Bad publicity 1/16/2025 10:01 PM
35 We actually have a agreement that drivers don’t have to pay in if they feel vulnerable 1/16/2025 9:29 PM
36 We do have assault screens but there isn’t much else 1/16/2025 9:06 PM
37 Mainly falls on deaf ear to much trouble to bother with, just have to move on and forget it 1/16/2025 8:35 PM
38 Could do better 1/16/2025 7:59 PM
39 I feel safe in my cab but on late shifts , the bus station is not always the safest place to be especially when certain lights are out & you are expected to swap buses to return to depot late at night etc You should be able to keep the same bus all night so you are not wandering around vulnerable with cash trays etc. 1/16/2025 7:38 PM
40 There is a sign saying “my dad is a bus driver, please be nice to him” But that is it 1/16/2025 6:38 PM
41 Last supervisor and controller finishes at 8pm when buses run till 1am �� 1/16/2025 6:21 PM
42 We have repeatedly asked for simple signs stating abuse if any kind will bother be tolerated Ma agency refuses as ‘we are trying to build a relationship with our customers’ Too many assaults are not followed up adequately 1/16/2025 6:03 PM
43 We have a means to report ASB, but nothing more 1/16/2025 6:01 PM
44 We don’t have radio systems or panic buttons We do not have adult screens and only one supervisor works at night If he needs to run the staff bus there is no one 1/16/2025 5:54 PM
45 I think we should have a conductor 1/16/2025 5:44 PM
46 unsure 1/16/2025 5:09 PM 47 They just say try and avoid confrontation situations ?? 1/16/2025 5:08 PM 48 Never had any employer take realistic preventative measures 1/16/2025 5:05 PM
49 We have no screen, no panic button, cctv only on newer busses 1/16/2025 5:01 PM
50 Poor screens or non existent Only buses from other counties briught here have full screens but then no radios for communication 1/16/2025 5:00 PM
51 They have made efforts, but insufficient staffing levels mean that back up is slow and ineffective 1/16/2025 4:56 PM 52 Not enough liaison with local authorities and police 1/16/2025 4:54 PM 53 No, no training at all 1/16/2025 4:50 PM 54 Screens 1/16/2025 4:38 PM
55 They haven't got a clue and no compassion what so ever 1/16/2025 4:20 PM
56 As much as they can. Having back up from the local police would help. 1/16/2025 4:18 PM 57 Not all assault screens maintained No way to contact depot quickly in emergency! 1/16/2025 4:18 PM 58 No sure 1/16/2025 4:08 PM
59 We have no assault screens even when majority of drivers would support them, yet our Union Reps seems to be not interested with this topic (Even when they aware of rise of assaults on bus drivers) 1/16/2025 4:06 PM 60 Poor radio system 1/16/2025 3:57 PM 61 Can doors do not lock and not all CCTV works 1/16/2025 3:50 PM
62 You tell them but they can't put a picture up because of GDPR so how would another driver know not to pick them up 1/16/2025 3:50 PM
63 The only ones to be sanctioned is the drivers 1/16/2025 3:29 PM
Answered:
Unnecessarily long form the same if we are involved in an rtc
Not interested in carrying out investigations unless it’s driver error.
Thing is no matter how much we report and bus companies report the relevant authorities don't have the resources to follow things up and even if culprits do get prosecuted the legal system is too soft which is no deterrent In all likelihood the offender will plead ADHD or an abusive upbringing and get'sucked off' by the magistrates and a 50p fine!
As before no radio only a text machine on ticket machine
need
Anything reported that’s to protect drivers is ignored, they only care about punishing drivers 1/16/2025 9:29 PM
26 It’s the follow up that’s an issue 1/16/2025 9:06 PM
27 Via a form but often they criticise a driver for not responding correctly although no training is given on this subject. A few of my colleagues have been criticised then disciplined for defending themselves against violence when it wasn't their fault No training given & no back up or reassurance from the company 1/16/2025 7:38 PM
28 No such mechanism 1/16/2025 6:29 PM 29 Lack of working radios 1/16/2025 6:05 PM 30 We can report it all we like We are told to call 999 if we are being threatened with violence or assaulted. It might be a little more difficult in practice to pick up a mobile telephone and ring the police when being assaulted The company makes all the right noises in terms of saying stay in the cab, but the only support given is sympathy In a recent case, one driver who was assaulted through no fault of his own had his pay deducted because he got out of the cab to investigate a disturbance upstairs and was assaulted by a group of people 1/16/2025 6:01 PM
But they don't always listen 1/16/2025 5:49 PM 32 n/A in my present employment But previously you could always tell them about abuse but get little help to prevent further such actions 1/16/2025 5:05 PM 33 Extra could be done It a very long process 1/16/2025 5:01 PM
Yes, but is the blink and there is near Miss reporting the company are okay with this 1/16/2025 4:54 PM 36 However nothing seems to get done and it’s the same form as reporting accidents and vehicle incidents 1/16/2025 4:52 PM 37 You can report but getting perpetrators banned can be slow 1/16/2025 4:31 PM 38 Drivers have reported incidences only to be told no further action but by the way "you where trsvelling at 22 mph in a 20 zone therefore disciplinary action will be taken against driver 1/16/2025 4:20 PM
Just lack of follow up and action 1/16/2025 4:15 PM
But they don't act on the info 1/16/2025 4:10 PM
We report it and nothing gets done 1/16/2025 4:07 PM 42 You report this but not much happening after 1/16/2025 4:06 PM
They really don't care. 1/16/2025 4:03 PM 44 They will at anything to blame the drivers 1/16/2025 3:54 PM
Answered: 150 Skipped: 420
It needs a massive shake up i think its been so neglected that you virtually have to start from scratch 1/22/2025
I would hope that a publicly owed bus service would be best for staff and passengers and I would welcome a Manchester type arrangement in Dorset
It's high time that the unions/government addressed the outdated driving hours as they are not fit for purpose for bus drivers Duties abuse the drivers' with long periods at the place of work but only a set number of hours paid eg 10 5 hours at work for 8 hours pay Bus drivers have a highly responsible job yet are treated extremely poorly. Companies are making huge profits yet nothing comes back to the drivers in pay increases Sickness and sick pay policy also needs addresssing All bus workers should be salaried and have access to the same benefits/treatment as management have given themselves Drivers demonstrate a very high degree of 'learned-helplessness' as they have nowhere to go to make change happen. The apparent propensity to blame the driver for things beyond their control is the goto policy yet the root cause is rarely addressed
Our local communities rely on a service that is cheap and reliable on clean, serviceable buses. Without this this section of society is locked away without access to health care etc maintaining the service is vital
National Memorandum on
that all bus drivers like train drivers get the best deal possible on pay and conditions 1/21/2025 9:32 PM
It's sadly underfunded and undervalued, as are the staff, the government needs to acknowledge that driving a bus is a skilled trade and as such should be treated and paid as such 1/21/2025 9:15 PM
Pay unequal to train staff, I feel is unjustifiable as same responsibility and expectation is requested by the company but bus staff get three times less than rail staff for the same company….why ???
I feel the bus companies need to remember that without the drivers there is no company and they should spend more time in protecting Their staff at ever cost
Until the rosters get changed it's not a good sector to work in 1/21/2025 5:07 PM
The drivers are pushed too hard! Some I get 4 hours sleep between shits! Then expected to do do a 12 5 hrs shift with a 35/45 minute break all day! 1/21/2025 4:14 PM
I don't understand this policy of letting people travel for free if they can't pay or don't want to pay, this creates a problem with the people who have paid to travel, the usual response is "why have I had to pay but you let them on free. Sorry but it's company policy, and the response to that is "ok next time I've got no money I understand in some circumstances a vulnerable young person might not have money but people who know how to abuse the system need to 1/21/2025 3:57 PM
be stopped We need a revenue inspector in EVERY local area to stop this absolute abuse of the system.
19 I was one of the victims as well 1/21/2025 3:28 PM
20 IT'S NOT FIT FOR PURPOSE 1/21/2025 3:14 PM
21 We need a fleet of new buses as the ones we have are to old and falling apart We also need more presence of police officers in the bus stations as this would curb some of the antisocial behaviour We could also do with a quicker response to all antisocial behaviour and assaults 1/21/2025 2:50 PM
22 No 1/21/2025 2:15 PM
23 Alot of the above especially the last few questions have come since covid and immigrants working in the area 1/21/2025 2:15 PM
24 It needs to be renationalised asap 1/21/2025 1:37 PM
25
Drivers should not have to be scared to deal with any member of the public They shouldn't feel like there's a chance they, or a passenger, could get hurt. Anti social behaviour is becoming more and more common and it makes the job more difficult than it already is, especially on evening shifts 1/21/2025 1:22 PM
26 Buses should be roadworthy at all times They need to be better maintained at all depots so cleaned inside and out Buses with very dim lights should not operate in the dark especially as the are faced with oncoming LED lights on newer vehicles to help prevent accidents pushchairs and how many are allowed up on the buses and the rights of wheelchair users as sometimes they cannot get on and are left because pushchairs are in their spaces . Better ticket machines as the ones we use are not great and very time consuming Better knowledge of road closures 1/21/2025 1:21 PM
27 One of the best jobs around being ruined by the young idiots allowed to do what they like 1/21/2025 1:17 PM
28 We deserve better allover the job 1/21/2025 12:59 PM
29 The bus sector should be one of the best places to work You get to drive around and see different places each day, usually in a dry and warm cab but you can also be subjective to a world of abuse Purely because people are unable to understand the difficulties of the job 1/21/2025 12:55 PM
30 We could save a lot of fuel and provide more regular services for busier routes if we cut the quiet ones with empty buses to 2 or 3 times a day instead of regular hourly services
31 Its broken, unfair and under too much pressure that is passed on to workers to cope with! Weather that be pay, hours or duties, customer expectation etc needs a complete overhaul.
1/21/2025 12:36 PM
1/21/2025 12:32 PM
32 Bus services should be state owned as same as rail services 1/21/2025 12:31 PM
33 I love my job, but hate the pay and the conditions My company does not respect drivers, and being a rep was my way of making a positive change in a drastically negative industry 1/21/2025 12:27 PM
34 Public are getting worse since covid, more disrespectful 1/21/2025 12:25 PM
35 We have no protection screens at all, the only bus company in the area to not have them We had covid screens but they soon took them down, i felt a little bit more protected from public with it 1/21/2025 12:19 PM
36 Not treated the same as railway workers by the RMT they’re disgusting 1/21/2025 12:16 PM
37 No, you’ve covered most of it I don’t think re-regulation or franchising is the answer If services are commercially viable it saves the government money 1/21/2025 12:14 PM
38 There needs to be more protection for drivers as they are lone workers, anti social screens should be fitted to all bus cabs as the driver is extremely vulnerable when sat in the cab and there is only one way of escape from the situation and that is towards the threat 1/21/2025 12:14 PM
39 Very poor quality of management competence 1/21/2025 12:14 PM
40 More training needed. Better facilities for driver's. Shorter hour's. Union the carers about it's staff Decent wage 1/21/2025 12:10 PM
41 The minimum 8and hour break between shifts is a disgrace we are constantly told done drive tired but successive government has never addressed this in the bus industry there should be 1/21/2025 12:07 PM
a minimum of 12 hours office workers have 11 hours a bus driver has there passengers lives in their hands
42 No 1/21/2025 12:06 PM
43 Local authorities do not know how to run bus services they can't even run local council services I think will have a negative effect on passengers 1/21/2025 9:01 AM
44 needs some one to take charge get all drivers better pay T AND C less driving time same as HGV different companies have different driving rules 1/21/2025 8:48 AM
45 If there are changes made in the legislation of our careers then our pay must reflect the risk we are put at every day 1/21/2025 1:16 AM
46 More needs to be done yo protect drivers End of the day they are alone in a cab and can't rely on backup from the public 1/20/2025 11:16 PM
47 The fare cap should have been increased gradually 1/20/2025 10:07 PM
48 https://saferoxfordstreet.blogspot.com/2025/01/a-few-facts-about-operational-safety.html?m=1 1/20/2025 9:58 PM
49 If the company looks after there work force better I think that would help with retention 1/20/2025 8:38 PM
50 Our Union and Reps play a vital role in contributing to keeping our employer focussed on these matters Non unionised workforce are badly exploited locally and fearful of organising 1/20/2025 7:59 PM
51 Airride seats and big mirrors should be mandatory Tiny mirrors are undafe 1/20/2025 7:06 PM
52 N/a 1/20/2025 5:32 PM
53 I feel we all should hold a door supervisor Sia licence where we can intercept and prevent this from happening to staff and passengers As stated previously I have a Sia door licence I have experienced abuse and if I was aloud to use my training I could have prevented or removed the issue 1/20/2025 4:28 PM
54 Not sure My comments won’t matter anyway 1/20/2025 4:22 PM
55 RMT NEED TO DO MIRE FOR BUSES 1/20/2025 2:20 PM
56 We need proper funding and proper nationalisation so we can provide a proper service We also need more protections as employees, for example for working temperatures (heating and air con that works), ergonomic seats and proper access to bathrooms As "outdoor workers" we currently have no such rights 1/20/2025 2:17 PM
57 The whole thing is underfunded, operators only interested in profit, they make appropriate noises but don’t really care! 1/20/2025 12:39 PM
58 They should reduce our weekly hours at work or pay for split shifts Take in consideration work and life balance as that is non existent 1/20/2025 12:39 PM
59
More protection for staff and bus security once they are parked up Some yards are open and there has been occasions when the public has caused damage to buses as well as a freat to any engineering night staff 1/20/2025 12:35 PM
60 Authorities need to communicate with drivers more when assessing bus routes and changes 1/20/2025 12:15 PM
61 The way things are at the moment I wouldn't recommend anyone to come and work in the industry Big changes are needed 1/18/2025 3:29 PM
62 There is not one sign on any bus or any bus station that warns people of violent and abuse will not be tolerated For any driver When I approached Citilink to ask why They stated it would prevent people from traveling and create a bad impression Further it would have an impact on revenue from tourists But it is on their terms and conditions website Who the f*** reads through terms and conditions website when buying a ticket 1/18/2025 10:21 AM
63 Too much variation in pay across companies despite working the same job/areas 1/17/2025 8:46 PM
64 The pay could be a lot better and better terms and conditions and working hours 1/17/2025 8:11 PM
65 Councils don't have the money to invest in public transport Especially to the level required 1/17/2025 5:24 PM
66 No 1/17/2025 5:23 PM
68 This new government decision is only worth the paper it's written on Clowncil that previously owned their own bus companies sold them off either to raise funds or because of competition when buses where denationalised as they couldn't compete. They don't have the funds to buy them back or start from scratch Apart from major metropolis, buses are only profitable if they have a monopoly over the area they operate Small operators have either gone out of business or been bought out Nothing will change Even in the unlikely event of our Grim Reever Chancellor giving clowncils a tax rebate, bus operators will want figures close to international phone numbers before they sell As for rural routes the government has to be realistic, people have cars because you can't carry a weekly family shop £100+ on a bike or bus Let alone take all day to arrive at appointments across different parts of towns or counties Bus driving is a dying profession within the next 15 years With advances in AI in self driving vehicles, bus operators will be living the dream as AI won't join unions so no disputes, need breaks, holidays, sick pay, days off or toilets! Buses only come in to be cleaned and refuelled 24/7/365 operation As for Dorset Bcp, Dorset County Clowncil are merging with others to become some heart of wessex super authority and fight over scraps thrown at them by the treasury so rural routes over a larger area with funding spread over a larger area won't improve or exist as that funding won't stretch as far. Also bus operators will blame lack of staff/drivers, low patronage and non exisistant infrastructure for poor service Dorset is one of three counties not connected to the motorway network the others are Cornwall and Norfolk because of their locations There has been no significant investment in road improvement in Dorset since the 2012 Olympics and those road improvements were a disaster. Accidents and natural weather events have major impacts in traffic flow in Dorset If the RMT is interested in politically ruffling feathers and causing a stir one of the most dangerous and deadly roads in Dorset A31 (office of national statistics would have the actual death figures) especially an area called stag gate is located runs through former Conservative MP Richard Drax's estate and lands and he has been a major obstacle in road safety improvements. This is relevant as it's a rural and school bus route But it might be worth raising this with the department of transport/transport secretary as he's now a deposed nobody they might be able to proceed with significant improvements that save lives
1/17/2025 3:04 PM
69 We should be able to choose the shift patterns we want, not the best ones going to drivers who have been there the longest and everyone else just given what’s they are told 1/17/2025 1:52 PM
70 My company do not care about it’s Drivers, 1/17/2025 1:10 PM
71 Currently it is not a public transport service, it's a profit making business that's all about making money and not investing where it is needed, like buses and maintenance 1/17/2025 12:01 PM
72 It's unfair and low pay 1/17/2025 11:53 AM
73 I think the bus sector, and indeed all public transport and other public services and utilities should not be run for profit as the main motivator. Any profits should be invested back into the service, in terms of pay, infrastructure and equipment, and not given to shareholders 1/17/2025 10:40 AM
74 There are some very nice passengers that use the services who's journey is spoiled due to an abusive passenger 1/17/2025 10:24 AM
75 I would fully support a local authority bus service in Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch area as More bus currently have the monopoly 1/17/2025 10:20 AM
76 Services should be ran for the people by the people 1/17/2025 9:22 AM
77 Driving hours are too long in respect to day lengths which, currently, increase fatigue and stress. 1/17/2025 9:18 AM
78 More funding is needed to invest in buses including electric ones and supporting services in rural areas but this should include reform of the domestic hours legislation so bus drivers follow EU rules to get adequate rest which will improve safety and driver retention 1/17/2025 9:02 AM
79 Ban diesel buses from all towns Roll out 100% electric by 2030 1/17/2025 8:20 AM
80 Driver safety and there wellbeing ie mental, physical and financial, if this can't be met then the bus company's need strike action to show those above we aren't taking anymore, we are human and deserve a safe environment to work in for a decent wage and hours, 1/17/2025 8:14 AM
81 This sector is grossly under paid 1/17/2025 8:06 AM
82 More investment required in all areas Aging fleet and roads and bus stops in poor condition Many routes badly lit and overgrown trees and hedges
1/17/2025 7:42 AM
83 In regards to antisocial behaviour the company is reluctant to stop offenders traveling 1/17/2025 5:59 AM
84 Higher rate of pay, standard amount no matter what bus company you work for 1/16/2025 11:48 PM
85 Stop squeezing us until our hair bleeds 1/16/2025 10:02 PM
86
Keep our terms and conditions, Better pay, Better sickness and company benefits Free travel for workers partners and or their children up to 16yrs old 1/16/2025 9:32 PM
87 If drivers were to police buses and bus worked areas there would need to be a drastic change in wages An equivalent to a door badge(cia) training would have to be given and the companies would have to support drivers even when leaving the cab to deal with trouble 1/16/2025 9:31 PM
88 It’s shit, and if I was smarter I wouldn’t work in it, they are lucky apathy is rampant in their industry 1/16/2025 9:30 PM
89 It should be free to use. As some countries manage to do 1/16/2025 9:27 PM
90 A move to local authority operation would be in the right direction although away from the large metropolitan areas could be problematic 1/16/2025 9:08 PM
91 All Bus companies need to appreciate the staff more and stop putting them under so much pressure pressure to keep to time and improve the duty’s, give them more running time and stop thinking about PROFIT Improve on drivers comfort and safety in the cab regarding the drivers seats
92 The coucils need to provide many more strategically placed lavatories for drivers to use We sometimes have to drive for more than four hours without access to a toilet Especially early in the morning and later in the evening
93 Road rage is playing a big factor, more so now than before lockdown, drivers getting out of their vehicle being abusive, using threatening behaviour usually because you slowed them down ,very little tolerance in today's society on the road and in general
1/16/2025 9:01 PM
1/16/2025 8:54 PM
1/16/2025 8:45 PM
94 I love my job I want more support, not to be asked to do more things that are not reasonable and could put myself in danger 1/16/2025 8:33 PM
95 Carbon monoxide is not monitored 1/16/2025 8:27 PM
96 Wages should be in line with other public transport such as trains Bus workers should be paid based on the responsibility they have carry people and having their lives in our hands Drivers get paid more for hauling toilet rolls than carrying people
1/16/2025 8:06 PM
97 I honestly don't think local councils have the skills or business savvy to get heavily involved in bus services We will end up with 5 different companies serving local areas It will be chaos and a lowering in standards all round 1/16/2025 8:01 PM
98 We should be careful linking our (poor) terms and conditions to service provision and whether that is run by private or public entities We could still suffer poor conditions and work/life balance under a public body. I’m all for enhanced and better services for the public but it must also come with improved and more acceptable conditions for drivers, ie every other weekend off and shorter working days
1/16/2025 7:55 PM
99 it is dying less people year on year 1/16/2025 7:54 PM
100 Drivers are undervalued for all their respinsibilities including professional, safe driving, cash handling, looking out for vulnerable passengers, remaining as punctual as possible, managing all situations single handedly etc & the passengers are just expected to accept what they're given regarding irregular, unreliable services that are badly run with expensive fares to boot In my opinion everyone would be better off if the buses were locally run like years ago before privatisation took over.
101 Definitely needs improving in all sectors
102 I've only been in it for 2 years but have already decided the pay and conditions are nowhere near good enough for stress, abuse, exhaustion and risks involved in the work The RMT seems to be unable to make any improvements in this regard.
1/16/2025 7:47 PM
1/16/2025 6:43 PM
1/16/2025 6:35 PM
103 The bus are there to get people around 1/16/2025 6:23 PM
Safe, regular, reliable, easy to use, inclusive bus services are an essential part of a functioning community For all the issues mentioned in this survey, I have seen suggestions that would practically and robustly eliminate or drastically reduce occurrences in ways that did not put workers or members of the public at personal risk As usual, the suggestions raised to to tackle the issue seem to have been drafted by people with little or no practical experience at the sharp end of bus work Talk to bus workers, listen to their concerns and then develop strategies WITH them The bus industry's biggest potential danger, is its unwillingness (for whatever reason) to listen to those who operate services day in day out. 1/16/2025 6:11 PM
105 I'm wanting to leave as it's affecting my wellbeing due to it being stressful and long hours 1/16/2025 6:08 PM 106
Would appreciate more action taken against aggressive drivers on the road Car driving has deteriorated 1/16/2025 6:04 PM
I think better pay I earn £15 P/H
Drivers being alone at night and having to take breaks in lonely and quet termini before operating back to civilisation 1/16/2025 5:30 PM
110 Only that driver pay in the counties is poor for the responsibilities expected of a bus driver At one time driver pay was comparable to train driver pay, what happened to that? 1/16/2025 5:12 PM
111 Yet another failure of 'privatisation' Public service transport should be just that, not a cherry picked financially viable route that is simply convenient for the operator.
112 Very poor response from management team regarding ANY issues within the service Especially if directly affecting drivers. 1/16/2025 5:06 PM
113
There needs to some serious look at what the essential arecfor driver care when facing the public. And it's not what we are wearing. 1/16/2025 5:06 PM
114 The employers and very quick to remind bus drivers that we are "professionals" but that only extends to the duty on us and is not reflected in pay and general conditions. They need to match the rhetoric with proper funding to put in place decent pay for drivers and protection for drivers and passengers alike 1/16/2025 5:03 PM
115 We need a proper framework given to supervisors on how to escalate a situation and sufficient staff and back up to be able to handle situations in an appropriate manor
117 I believe nationalizing the buses and all rules and Reg’s can only help , pay and conditions are a joke . Long hours lack of facilities and care for drivers needs attention 1/16/2025 4:54 PM
118 Need salary increase Better hrs/shifts available More ongoing training 2yrs without any additional training? No training on emergency situations. Think should all also have first aid training too 1/16/2025 4:52 PM 119 Making sure vehicles are actually road worthy, not patched up.
4:48 PM
Paid breaks is needed 1/16/2025 4:37 PM
122 Poor relation to train service Bus companies would never be able to get parity in pay and conditions Public expect bus travel to be cheap and higher wages not compatible with that 1/16/2025 4:33 PM
123 The bus drivers pay is very poor compared to other large vehicle drivers and I don't think unions are doing enough to rectify this 1/16/2025 4:29 PM
124 It is mostly run for profit rather than passengers but people like accountants rather than people who know about the bus industry 1/16/2025 4:28 PM
125 Coaches are overlooked in this survey - we operate bus services between cities, airports & rail replacements (Flixbus, Megabus & National Express etc), most of which are subcontracted out to companies like the one I work for We are ridiculously underpaid - typically on just £1 p/hr 1/16/2025 4:23 PM
above minimum wage, meaning our employers know / expect us to work 50+ hrs p/wk Union membership is low in my sector, because of the high turnover of staff.
126 Its detoriated and i will be leaving the sector soon after being a bus driver for 20yrs im not much above minimum wage for a lot of responsibility 1/16/2025 4:23 PM
127 Pay is too low, hours are to long, and shift patterns are bad going from early starts 1 week to lates the next week then back to early shifts makes you feel tired all the time 1/16/2025 4:19 PM
128 Still love it Pay is getting better but still lacks government funding when compared to rail 1/16/2025 4:19 PM
129 Needs more money pumped in and an increase in bus priority 1/16/2025 4:18 PM
130 Since deregulation in 1986 by the tories it has been run for profit not the public Those in charge rarely appreciate the consequences of their decisions Obliging drivers to take action in event of ASB or other such event places them in danger and should not be considered I am seriously thinking of leaving the job after nearly 27 years 1/16/2025 4:11 PM
131 Services are being run cheaply, they have no interest other than paying lip service There need to be regular and visible attendance on the bus at problem times 1/16/2025 4:09 PM
134 What is the point nobodies listening or they pretending like listening but doing nothing. 1/16/2025 4:08 PM
135 Need really changes, sometimes I feel like UK bus industry not only is behind rest of western Europe but even countries like Poland or Czechia, were bus drivers got much more protection and higher working comfort 1/16/2025 4:08 PM
136 There appears
Even in the RMT we are second class citizens, behind train staff
4:03 PM
139 Pay does not reflect our responsibility. 1/16/2025 3:59 PM
140 The sector is slowly drifting into another crisis with the amount of people leaving their roles Many are going from local buses to long distance coaches but a good minority are leaving the job altogether to work elsewhere for the fact that they no longer feel under threat at work 1/16/2025 3:58 PM
Better pay 1/16/2025 3:53 PM 147 The bus sector currently feels outdated and fundamentally broken Companies are squeezing duties and staff to breaking points in search of service delivery that cannot be achieved and reducing costs in every conceivable manner, regardless of impact on services or safety 1/16/2025 3:51 PM
Reduce to length of some route times no more than 4 5 long 1/16/2025 3:51 PM
Drivers and staff should be protected in the work place And supported by Bus companies 1/16/2025 3:50 PM 150 Driving time shouldn’t be over 4 and a half hours, sufficient time between trips for toilet breaks 1/16/2025 3:48 PM