AddThis SmartLayers

Bus boss backs Bristol

A series of articles about “shabby” bus services in Bristol has led the chief executive of the firm that runs them to visit the city for himself – to find out what the passengers think.

Moir Lockhead travelled down from the Aberdeen headquarters of the First Group company and spent time speaking to queuing travellers and even hopped on a bus to experience for himself the service being complained about.

He visited after the Bristol Evening Post sent him batches of newspaper articles underlining the dismay of his customers.

The Post campaign, launched last month, called for changes in legislation so that bus companies become regulated in the same way as train operators which would force them to improve the quality of services.

Following his visit Mr Lockhead promised he would improve the services in the city, admitting: “We are far from perfect.”

He said: “When I spoke to passengers many of them told me of the problems they are experiencing but most of them blamed other things such as the road network or road works.”

He also set out plans for schemes to improve the service including the introduction of priority schemes and smart cards for fares.

“In the next few weeks and months we will completely review the fares and prices in Bristol to try and make it more attractive.”

Mr Lockhead also pledged to return to Bristol later in the year to see if the situation has improved.

Back to the campaigns index

Do you have a story for us?
Ring the HoldTheFrontPage newsdesk on
01332 291111 x6022, or e-mail us now