Bus Meeting with First Group
Cherry and Roger were accompanied by Shirley Toogood, Chair of Bath Townswomen’s Guild when they met Justin Davies Area Manager of First Group on 20th January.
Unreliable Services
We raised the issue of unreliable services and Mr Davies agreed that one of the two buses cut from the 13 service would need to be restored to improve this service. This will be discussed. Mr Davies said that it was in the interests of the company to keep the buses running on time and that they needed to do this regardless of the congestion problems.
We read out portions of correspondence sent to us from residents, including dates and times when the buses to and from Combe Down and Foxhill had not run on time. He apologised if people had not received answers to letters sent, giving as one reason that the main point of contact for First Group is in Exeter, and why some people have not had responses to letters of complaint is because they may have gone to various other addresses within the company. We asked that clearer advertising needs to be made of the contact addresses to write to for First. and have asked to be supplied with those details to pass on to residents.
Some efforts have been made to improve congestion in Dorchester Street by the Council re-phasing the traffic lights. Mr Davies revealed that he had expected Dorchester Street to be buses only when the street was re-opened after the Southgate construction..
Communication with Passengers
Complaints about lack of communication with passengers of delays on various routes were raised and Mr Davies said this is something that he was aware of, but the ‘tannoy’ system installed in the bus station was not loud enough and that he was looking at actions that could make it more effective. we suggested a simple ‘chalk board’.
Justin davies is due to come back to us on the points raised, and we will keep you informed.
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