The Leader of the Opposition and the Liberal Democrat Group Cllr Howard Sykes has made four suggestions to improve the conduct of bus drivers as part of a Department of Transport consultation.
Cllr Sykes, who serves on the Transport for Greater Manchester Committee, said:
“The vast majority of bus drivers carry out their duties in a conscientious, courteous and professional manner, but unfortunately a few do not conduct themselves to these high standards. I have received many complaints from bus passengers about their misconduct.”
In response to the Consultation on the Public Service Vehicles (Conduct of Drivers, Inspectors, Conductors and Passengers) Regulations, Cllr Sykes has proposed four new obligations be placed on bus drivers:
1) To stop where it is clear that a passenger is running for a bus stop and has indicated that they want the bus.
Cllr Sykes said: “Bus passengers complain bitterly that some drivers simply drive past the stop if the passenger is not actually physically stood at the stop.
“They can see a passenger running for the bus, often burdened with baggage and maybe not in the best of health, but rather than showing the courtesy of waiting a few more seconds choose to drive off.
“This is an especial annoyance and inconvenience to passengers where services are infrequent and the location isolated and without shelter.”
2) To prevent drivers driving away from a stop where a disabled or elderly person or someone burdened with luggage, shopping or a buggy has boarded, until such time as that passenger has taken their seat.
Cllr Sykes said: “This is both common sense and common courtesy, and the safety of bus passengers should always in my view be the overriding consideration in the mind of every bus driver.
“Unfortunately there have been instances where this has not happened and as a result some passengers have been injured, sometimes seriously, when the vehicle starts off.”
3) To ensure that the correct destination is shown on the vehicle.
Cllr Sykes said: “This is a real irritant to passengers. The display of incorrect destinations confuses and inconveniences passengers, particularly those who are unfamiliar with the route and with local geography.”
4) To ensure that drivers do not put up ‘Out of Service’ signs when they are approaching their end of their route and hours of duty.
Cllr Sykes said: “Where this happens, drivers chose only to allow passengers to alight and not to allow any more to board. This practice is for the convenience of the driver, not the passenger.”
Cllr Sykes feels that this should not occur until such time as the bus has arrived at its final destination and the driver has finished his/her contracted hours.
Cllr Sykes has called on the Department of Transport to include these additional regulations within the revised regulations.
Cllr Sykes added: “Bus companies would then be responsible for ensuring their drivers adhered to them and irresponsible drivers disregarding them could be subjected to disciplinary action.
“I hope that the inclusion of these additional regulations will improve the customer service experience of bus passengers and I am sure that all professional bus drivers will welcome them”.