What bus passengers want ...

[whole diary]

[grahame]

Passenger Focus has published new research into bus passengers' experience of delays and disruption.  The key findings are:

* bus passengers want better information during delays and disruption, including more real-time running information

* bus passengers want a more customer-focused attitude from bus drivers, particularly during disruption.
Passengers taking part in the research described being ^powerless^ when buses are delayed, feeling there is no way to find out what is going on.

In terms of solutions, there is a clear preference for real-time information to be displayed at bus stops, with smartphone and tablet apps playing an important supporting role.

From an email to me (mailing list so circulatable) but download link is personal to full report.  I've got poor connection today - if anyone can add a generally available link to the report, that would be great, thanks!

[ChrisB]

http://email.passengerfocus.org.uk/passengerfocuslz/lz.aspx?p1=054701S406209&CC=&w=254&cID=0&cValue=1

But with the vagaries of road delays, I can't see a proper solution. Easier with trains....

[GBM]

As a driver, it's never easy - especially with breakdowns.
Your bus breaks down.  Try the usual master reset a few times, just in case that provides a solution.
No joy?  Use your own mobile to call support (in our case).Give them fleet number/route number/who you are/where you are/what symptons. They might suggest to try something else.
They relay to engineering.
And that is where the story ends.
The driver doesn't have direct access to engineering - everything must go via support.  We don't know IF a replacement vehicle is coming out with an engineer, or when the engineers will be with us.
Could call support back, but would usually be met with a shoulder shrug (on the phone!).  Well they've left/not left/can't contact them, they're busy....
Can only tell passengers what we know.
Route diversions.  Big events locally have road closure & diversion notices in place several days before the event.
However. Utilities frequently just appear with road closed notices with no notice.  You turn a bend & find the road closed.  Call support who may advise a diversionary route.
A local pub holds a real ale festival.  Cars block that road & you can't drive through.  Back up many hundred yards & retrace the route.  Bypass on next run - ensure you stop the following service & advise that driver of the problem.  Call Police & support.  Generally left to your own thoughts.  Passengers not served by bus for that pub are cross because it doesn't show up - unaware that cars are blocking that route further up the road.
Passengers would like to be more informed - so would drivers..........

[JayMac]

Regarding 'real ale festival' in a local pub with cars blocking the road. Definitely worth the attention of the local plod.

Partaking of ale and then driving home.....