Incidents with FirstYork... x2

No idea but at leat we are being heard in some shape or form.

What! Get on a bus, lol Actually I do use them from time to time as my metrocard comes with 'yorkshire bus travel', useful at times. As for getting off and waiting for the next one frankly I'm shocked if one turns up at all, or even on time so I'm not getting off once on.

This system does it register if a bus passes you at >35mph, within 2 feet of your elbow and then when approached if the bus driver shuts their window and indicates you should 'go away' with their hands?

My letter is real, lacking a scanner I cant reproduce it for you.

Well of course your letter is real, but is it lip service.

I don't disagree to be honest, but I have it and can refer back to it in case of problems in the future. I wish I had done the same with an incident last year where the driver actually left his cab to shout at me (me in primary, he couldnt pass approaching lights) but the lights changed and I left him blocking the road.

Hmmm - honestly Bigsharn, I'd be "less than happy" with that response you've got from First York?

It's kinda laughable that a major corporation should get their communication so badly wrong. Either the company is "committed to the safety of its customers and other road users," or it's (trying to be) adept at not giving a ******* ****.


1. Their first response "Many thanks for contacting us with regards to the poor driving standards of two of our drivers". Their third response "Please accept my sincere apologies about the alleged poor driving standards of two of drivers".

A chance to show unequivocally that the company expects professional standards of its drivers - replaced by unnecessary alarm bells about word-game fluff. How silly.


2. "The drivers in question will be interviewed in line with our disciplinary procedure." Good. If the driver did nothing dangerous or unprofessional, s/he deserves the right to keep their professional reputation clean.


3. But - "due to employee confidentiality, I am unable to disclose the form of action that will be taken." That's b****x; and only damages the company's credibility. There's nothing to stop First saying "the driver" (no names) has been reprimanded, taken off the road for extra training, or whatever was regarded as appropriate. Fact - First can and have done so (to their credit).


4. The blandness of their "reassurance" about the Smith's system is just daft. It takes 5 seconds to Google it, and find what the corporation is selling/teaching. Ffs - they've got internet inside First; do they really think cyclists don't? Smiths are marketing no more than any safe and sensible cyclist knows in their bones!

Those two First drivers put a cyclist's safety and life at risk because they thought they knew better than the HC, and Smiths, and their managers.


5. As for the company asking for a driver to apologise, no problem with them not being able to ask her to do so.

I'm just disgusted that she didn't immediately offer an apology? Aye, and if I were her manager, I'd mark her ignorant failure to do so (unprompted) as a very significant additional concern about her lack of professional driving standards.


6. First were unable to view the videos because they're blocked by corporate IT policies? Really? Whoever suggested that deserves a new job - sweeping the bus park with a tooth brush (from which I have personally removed all but two bristles). Two simple options, Mr/Ms Lead Customer Services Agent - talk to the IT department, or (ffs) "take the initiative" to look at the videos at home?


It's just so silly on the part of First - get it right, and they earn respect and understanding. Get it wrong - and they only reinforce very, very strongly their traditionally poor image.

I'd be tempted to sit at the lights waiting for that one driver and ask her whether she gives a toss now.

Assuming they use the same buses in Leeds, the engine cut out/kill switch is mounted under the engine cover. Nearly all these covers are alarmed however

TBH, if I was on one of hese busses I wouldn't be alarmed, I'd be ****ing terrified!

Yup - same in Leeds. Too many problems with school kids who thought it was funny to try them.