Signal needed for bus to pull up

LETTER - Regarding the letter "Buses and drivers are appalling" on April 11. I have been a bus and coach driver for more than 30 years and feel the public need to have a few misconceptions corrected.

Since the mid 80s bus stops have been "request" stops. Therefore, the intending passenger is required to indicate to the driver that they wish to board that bus.

Obviously, on housing estates and in rural areas where only one bus route is operating the driver knows that people standing at the stop will require their bus.

However, the two bus stops in Smithfield Road, being in the town centre, have five different routes operated by three different companies using them.

So, quite naturally, if somebody standing at those stops does not move, or give any indication that they want the bus, the driver will assume that the intending passengers are waiting for another bus, and drive on by.

Many non-drivers do not realise that if any vehicle stops suddenly and without reasonable warning resulting in an accident, the driver could be charged with dangerous driving.

The writer of the letter complains of the negative attitude of divers.

It is acknowledged by the medical profession that driving a bus is one of the most stressful jobs today with one in 18 drivers suffering depression or serious heart related problems.

A bus/coach driver is a special person. They work long hours on low wages and for the most part do it because they love the job.

Name and address supplied