Reported that now 9 drivers in London have died
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-52212143
Deepest sympathies. May they rest in peace.
First Bus Bristol - 2 drivers
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-52314095
The official advice has just been published for using First Worcester and other operators during the Covid-19 emergency.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-safer-travel-guidance-for-passengers
The offical guidance to First Worcester and other bus operators has also just been published. This is a separate link.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-safer-transport-guidance-for-operators
Quote from: WyreForestShuttle on May 12, 2020, 11:25:38 AM
The official advice has just been published for using First Worcester and other operators during the Covid-19 emergency.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-safer-travel-guidance-for-passengers
Travel guidance for passengers using public transport then?
Not quite sure why you have to single out First Worcester. I almost didn't click on the link as I have no intention of using them.
Quote from: Gareth on May 12, 2020, 04:27:41 PM
Travel guidance for passengers using public transport then?
Not quite sure why you have to single out First Worcester. I almost didn't click on the link as I have no intention of using them.
The information is as supplied to passengers using First Worcester and is applicable to other operators within England.
Quote from: WyreForestShuttle on May 12, 2020, 05:27:30 PM
The information is as supplied to passengers using First Worcester and is applicable to other operators within England.
It's for all passengers using all operators.
Quote from: Gareth on May 12, 2020, 07:51:32 PM
It's for all passengers using all operators.
The information is as supplied for the use of passengers of First Worcester for thier safety and as I clearly stated within the post applicable to other operators in England
Absolutely barking mad!
Quote from: richie on May 12, 2020, 11:03:33 PM
Absolutely barking mad!
I personally would not describe essential public advice to passengers of First Worcester and other bus operators in England in the middle of a global pandemic as such but each to his own.
The Transport Secretary; Grant Shapps; has today said he would not be seen dead on a bus during the current emergency. Most encouraging for those of us who have to use First and other operators for essential journeys and those encoraged to return to work by his government.
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/may/13/grant-shapps-would-not-get-on-crowed-bus-tube-coronavirus-lockdown-eased
Quote from: WyreForestShuttle on May 13, 2020, 01:03:49 PM
The Transport Secretary; Grant Shapps; has today said he would not be seen dead on a bus during the current emergency. Most encouraging for those of us who have to use First and other operators for essential journeys and those encoraged to return to work by his government.
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/may/13/grant-shapps-would-not-get-on-crowed-bus-tube-coronavirus-lockdown-eased
Please show me where that quote is 'not be seen dead'
I cant see where that quote is either.
My own personal opinion is that the same I would not get on a bus or train or tube that was overcrowded like the pictures weve seen in london. Doesn't mean I wouldn't use public transport it means I would be more mindful to avoid busy times to wait for a quieter service. But if I dont have to use public transport then I would use other means I.e walk or cycle as per government advice.
The comment was a generalisation of a news package on an 80s radio station this morning, The Guardian article is based on an interview on BBC Breakfast. I did not attribute the comment to the article just the concenous carried in other media. It is not encouraging the Minister in charge of buses in England would not use them when some of us have no choice to use them for essential travel to hospitals when one is not allowed to use alternative transport as he suggests. Pure hypocrisy from the current Conservative administration. Some of us are very greatfull to First and the other bus operators maintaining a vital service in such circumstances we are currently facing. We do not need comments from out of touch elected officials with no grip on the current realities of life. Unbelievablely the Scottish Adminstration is for once leading the way in the current advice.
He was asked if he personally would get on a packed bus or train & he honestly said no, cant see the problem there after all it follows government advice not to use public transport unless it is essential & to follow social distancing guidelines. Those scenes this morning in London people are clearly not following those guidelines.
Quote from: Steveminor on May 13, 2020, 01:43:43 PM
He was asked if he personally would get on a packed bus or train & he honestly said no, cant see the problem there after all it follows government advice not to use public transport unless it is essential & to follow social distancing guidelines.
Those scenes this morning in London people are clearly not following those guidelines.
Why are people having to get on packed services?
Are TFL not running an adequate service?? These are very likely people going to work I would think. I think its pretty obvious that walking and cycling isn't going to be an option for a lot of peoples journeys either.
There didn't seem to be any problems with distancing on the services I saw passing me in my local area earlier, as from what I can see NX are running an adequate service. And have even recently increased frequencies to allow this to be possible.
Quote from: Steveminor on May 13, 2020, 01:22:01 PM
I cant see where that quote is either.
My own personal opinion is that the same I would not get on a bus or train or tube that was overcrowded like the pictures weve seen in london. Doesn't mean I wouldn't use public transport it means I would be more mindful to avoid busy times to wait for a quieter service. But if I dont have to use public transport then I would use other means I.e walk or cycle as per government advice.
My commute into Birmingham City Centre is around 10 miles, so probably a bit too far to walk. in terms of cycling, our firm has no shower facilities. So the thought of either me or a colleague coming into the office smelling of an hour's cycle ride doesn't fill me with any joy at all.
Nobody is using these rush-hour services by choice. I'd gladly work 7am to 3pm if i could, but my boss says no. In the end, it comes down to the attitude and flexibility of the employer.
Quote from: Steveminor on May 13, 2020, 01:43:43 PM
He was asked if he personally would get on a packed bus or train & he honestly said no, cant see the problem there after all it follows government advice not to use public transport unless it is essential & to follow social distancing guidelines. Those scenes this morning in London people are clearly not following those guidelines.
At a time of crisis those elected should not be using throw away comments and soundbites some of us have to attend hospitals for cancer treatment and use buses whether we like it or not the comments of the transport secretary are an utter disgrace and insult to those like myself who do not have the option of a ministerial car and a reflection of the current administration no longer having control of the pandemic, stay alert?, stay alert for what? at least Wales & Scotland are not subject to such pathetic actions by its politicians such as the idiot on BBC Breakfast this morning. As you say you have the choice and wouldn't get on crowded bus do you suggest then those such as myself do likewise then miss the tight allocated slot allowed for treatment at the hospital to help save one's life or are you suggesting russian roulette with a planned treatment programme?
Quote from: WyreForestShuttle on May 13, 2020, 02:35:04 PM
At a time of crisis those elected should not be using throw away comments and soundbites some of us have to attend hospitals for cancer treatment and use buses whether we like it or not the comments of the transport secretary are an utter disgrace and insult to those like myself who do not have the option of a ministerial car and a reflection of the current administration no longer having control of the pandemic, stay alert?, stay alert for what? at least Wales & Scotland are not subject to such pathetic actions by its politicians such as the idiot on BBC Breakfast this morning. As you say you have the choice and wouldn't get on crowded bus do you suggest then those such as myself do likewise then miss the tight allocated slot allowed for treatment at the hospital to help save one's life or are you suggesting russian roulette with a planned treatment programme to beat cancer?
We finally got fed up with the last person making political posts and I kicked him off please don't go the same way!
And to show I am not bias he was pro Tory, you are anti Tory!
Quote from: Tony on May 13, 2020, 02:49:06 PM
We finally got fed up with the last person making political posts and I kicked him off please don't go the same way!
And to show I am not bias he was pro Tory, you are anti Tory!
Ok Tony understood clearly, for what it is worth I am not currently a politically active person or Anti Tory the post was not anti Tory but against the hypocrisy of the transport secretary when unlike him some of us do not have a choice and have to use the bus to undertake life saving hospital treatment, he has a choice I haven't. None of my posts since joining have been political but I accept your points, may I take this opportunity to wish you a very Happy Birthday on Saturday and thank you for your work in keeping your part the bus network running.
Quote from: WyreForestShuttle on May 13, 2020, 02:35:04 PM
At a time of crisis those elected should not be using throw away comments and soundbites some of us have to attend hospitals for cancer treatment and use buses whether we like it or not the comments of the transport secretary are an utter disgrace and insult to those like myself who do not have the option of a ministerial car and a reflection of the current administration no longer having control of the pandemic, stay alert?, stay alert for what? at least Wales & Scotland are not subject to such pathetic actions by its politicians such as the idiot on BBC Breakfast this morning. As you say you have the choice and wouldn't get on crowded bus do you suggest then those such as myself do likewise then miss the tight allocated slot allowed for treatment at the hospital to help save one's life or are you suggesting russian roulette with a planned treatment programme to beat cancer?
You'd better hope your vital hospital appointment isn't on a Sunday otherwise the "fabulously excellent" First Worcester Bus Company wouldn't be able to get you to Worcester Royal as they don't seem fit to run the service on a Sunday. I wonder how all those hospital workers get there that need to use the bus.
Quote from: WyreForestShuttle on May 13, 2020, 03:23:10 PM
Ok Tony understood clearly, for what it is worth I am not currently a politically active person or Anti Tory the post was not anti Tory but against the hypocrisy of the transport secretary when unlike him some of us do not have a choice and have to use the bus to undertake life saving cancer treatment, he has a choice I haven't. None of my posts since joining have been political but I accept your points, may I take this opportunity to wish you a very Happy Birthday on Saturday and thank you for your work in keeping your part the bus network running.
His statement was not hypocritical at all
Statement to Public "only use public transport if you have no other choice"
Minister " I will not be using public transport"
Why is that hypocritical!
Quote from: Tony on May 13, 2020, 03:39:21 PM
His statement was not hypocritical at all
Statement to Public "only use public transport if you have no other choice"
Minister " I will not be using public transport"
Why is that hypocritical!
I am not currently interested in politics I have more important matters to worry about I would have been far happier if he had replied to the question "I would only use public transport if I had no other means" as I personally have no other means of transport at present I find the ministers comment one of gross hypocrisy when some of us have no choice in the matter I personally took great offense at the comment which underlies the general perception of public transport normally by elected politicians.
Quote from: ellspurs on May 13, 2020, 03:28:15 PM
You'd better hope your vital hospital appointment isn't on a Sunday otherwise the "fabulously excellent" First Worcester Bus Company wouldn't be able to get you to Worcester Royal as they don't seem fit to run the service on a Sunday. I wonder how all those hospital workers get there that need to use the bus.
I would use Service X50 if necessary on a Sunday & would encourage others too if they require a bus service as it runs nearest to the hospital hourly.
Quote from: 2206 on May 13, 2020, 01:58:58 PM
Why are people having to get on packed services?
Are TFL not running an adequate service?? These are very likely people going to work I would think. I think its pretty obvious that walking and cycling isn't going to be an option for a lot of peoples journeys either.
There didn't seem to be any problems with distancing on the services I saw passing me in my local area earlier, as from what I can see NX are running an adequate service. And have even recently increased frequencies to allow this to be possible.
Saying that I saw a single decker 28 at about 17:30. And it seemed to have loads of people on it, so many that it looked like nearly a full load of passengers from what I could see. I was a little surprised as all the other 28's I've seen have only had a few people on.
Wander if a temporary reroute of the service (Resevior Road, Marsh Lane, Short Heath Road) could be a possibility with the current reduced traffic levels. To allow it to be operated by double deckers during the current preriod. Then if the service gets busy as in the above example, passengers will still be able to distance.
Since presumably at present PB have pleanty of spare double deckers to allow this to happen.
Has sadiq khan put ample increases in frequencies? Similarly why hasn't the West Midlands increased frequencies to meet the surge in demand of people making essential journies to work?
Quote from: Trident 4194 on May 13, 2020, 07:21:17 PM
Has sadiq khan put ample increases in frequencies? Similarly why hasn't the West Midlands increased frequencies to meet the surge in demand of people making essential journies to work?
It looks to me as though NXWM have. Although i counted 25 people on an 11C that i saw this morning.
Quote from: MK on May 13, 2020, 07:33:18 PM
It looks to me as though NXWM have. Although i counted 25 people on an 11C that i saw this morning.
Yes, increased frequencies on many route this week, and the entire fleet now being retaxed
Quote from: Trident 4194 on May 13, 2020, 07:21:17 PM
Has sadiq khan put ample increases in frequencies? Similarly why hasn't the West Midlands increased frequencies to meet the surge in demand of people making essential journies to work?
service levels on Nxwm will be increasing on bank holiday week and the following week where about 90% of service on services will be running
Quote from: MK on May 13, 2020, 02:25:37 PM
My commute into Birmingham City Centre is around 10 miles, so probably a bit too far to walk. in terms of cycling, our firm has no shower facilities. So the thought of either me or a colleague coming into the office smelling of an hour's cycle ride doesn't fill me with any joy at all.
Nobody is using these rush-hour services by choice. I'd gladly work 7am to 3pm if i could, but my boss says no. In the end, it comes down to the attitude and flexibility of the employer.
I have checked my home to work at it is 9-mile trip and would take three hours. So it would mean been up at 3 am to get ready to leave for 5 am do a 3hr walk to get in for 8 am.
Quote from: Steveminor on May 13, 2020, 01:43:43 PM
He was asked if he personally would get on a packed bus or train & he honestly said no, cant see the problem there after all it follows government advice not to use public transport unless it is essential & to follow social distancing guidelines. Those scenes this morning in London people are clearly not following those guidelines.
But people are being told to return to work if they are able to. If bus travel is the only way, then it's the only way. It's not people 'clearly not following the guidelines'.
Quote from: WyreForestShuttle on May 13, 2020, 01:03:49 PM
The Transport Secretary; Grant Shapps; has today said he would not be seen dead on a bus during the current emergency. Most encouraging for those of us who have to use First and other operators for essential journeys and those encoraged to return to work by his government.
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/may/13/grant-shapps-would-not-get-on-crowed-bus-tube-coronavirus-lockdown-eased
Did he not say he would not be seen dead on a first Worcester bus ? Or was it all other operators? Seeing as the guidance is aimed initially at first Worcester customers according to you?
Quote from: Gareth on May 13, 2020, 09:37:11 PM
But people are being told to return to work if they are able to. If bus travel is the only way, then it's the only way. It's not people 'clearly not following the guidelines'.
Are they following the guidelines of social distancing though by cramming onto a bus? Common sense would say that you wouldn't all cram onto the same bus in this climate. However if service frequencies aren't great that's London's transport networks fault. Alternatively someone regulating the number of passengers on board should be enforced,
Quote from: Trident 4194 on May 13, 2020, 10:07:53 PM
Are they following the guidelines of social distancing though by cramming onto a bus? Common sense would say that you wouldn't all cram onto the same bus in this climate. However if service frequencies aren't great that's London's transport networks fault. Alternatively someone regulating the number of passengers on board should be enforced,
They are guidelines. We have to 'try' and do things, we have to 'aim' to do things. Until told otherwise, numbers cannot be enforced. That's why face coverings are now being 'advised', because distancing won't always be possible.
Everyone will think that their journey is important or essential. Why should someone at the start of a route be allowed to travel, but not someone half way along when the bus is already at social distancing 'capacity'. See, it doesn't work!
World War III could potentially start in a couple of weeks/days that could make the government ban public transport immediately.
Quote from: busboy31 on May 14, 2020, 03:56:08 AM
World War III could potentially start in a couple of weeks/days that could make the government ban public transport immediately.
Well that's complete billy bull.
I've looked at the possibility of a third world war, but when I've studied the military capacity of third world countries I dont think they're up for it.
I understand the management team of First Worcester share the frustration of the management team of fellow Worcestershire operator Diamond Bus on the lack of confirmation of payment and confirmation of the CBSSG following the consultation. Until payment is recieved it is my understanding First Worcester quite rightly is reluctant to scale up operations untill the matter is resolved. Mr Dunn of Diamond Bus was quite right to raise his concerns on the matter as we appear to have quite unacceptable behaviour from a Government whose only concern seems to be saving the career of a political advisor instead of supporting the bus industry despite the initial plans being laid out in The Transport Secretarys statement on Saturday; a copy of which is available on the Gov/DfT website. I too share the frustration of this unexpected development which is most regrettable to all bus operators throughout Worcestershire and is not worthy of both the current situation the bus companies find themselves in & H M Government.
Nxwm now share Simon & my concerns regarding funding and appears they have also suspended plans to increase service levels.
Quote from: Steveminor on May 27, 2020, 08:34:19 PM
Nxwm now share Simon & my concerns regarding funding and appears they have also suspended plans to increase service levels.
Interestingly First Worcester never announced plans to increase service levels from 1st June 2020 operators in the West Midlands County seem to have jumped the gun abit following the announcement by The Minister over a Bank Holiday I did point out the actual scheme mechanism would follow in due course and of course in its own perception the Government has currently more pressing matters involving journeys to and from Durham rather than funding bus journey increases somewhat.
The DfT have published the full guidance for face coverings to be used on First Worcester & other operators in England from Monday.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-rules-on-face-coverings-coming-in-on-monday-will-help-keep-passengers-safe
Quote from: WyreForestShuttle on June 12, 2020, 09:23:27 PM
The DfT have published the full guidance for face coverings to be used on First Worcester & other operators in England from Monday.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-rules-on-face-coverings-coming-in-on-monday-will-help-keep-passengers-safe
There's no need to single out an operator when it applies to all English public transport.
Quote from: Gareth on June 12, 2020, 11:21:57 PM
There's no need to single out an operator when it applies to all English public transport.
Not to sure what your point scoring is about
@Gareth my post clearly said the guidance applied to First Worcester and all other operators in England.
Please fell free to post the official government guidance and relevant legislation for the benefit of all when it is published by H M Government.
The NX Bus site has also been updated with information on travelling during the current period.
https://nxbus.co.uk/west-midlands/news/stay-safe-when-travelling-with-us
There's now a guide on there showing at what times the services are busiest and it says this is going to be updated regularly:
https://nxbus.co.uk/files/NXWestMids/2020-Files/Stay-safe-assets/5June2020BusyChart.pdf
And information for those where it will not be possible to wear a face covering.
https://nxbus.co.uk/files/NX-West-Midlands/2020-Files/COVID19-assets/facecovering.pdf
Quote from: WyreForestShuttle on June 13, 2020, 12:02:02 AM
Not to sure what your point scoring is about @Gareth my post clearly said the guidance applied to First Worcester and all other operators in England.
Please fell free to post the official government guidance and relevant legislation for the benefit of all faster than myself when it is published by H M Government.
Nowhere on Government or DfT guidelines or rules or advice does it single out First Worcester. No need to mention it.
Point scoring? Says the man who's boasting he posted it first.
Quote from: Gareth on June 13, 2020, 01:54:48 AM
Nowhere on Government or DfT guidelines or rules or advice does it single out First Worcester. No need to mention it.
Point scoring? Says the man who's boasting he posted it first.
The DfT have published the full guidance for face coverings to be used on First Worcester & other operators in England from Monday. Sadly some comments in this thread are trivialising a very serious subject which is not becoming of any poster on this forum given the serious nature of the subject matter in hand namely staying safe during the Covid-19 pandemic emergency when using First Worcester & all other operators in England and reducing the potential spread of the virus when undertaking essential journeys.
From those who have more mature attitude on the serious subject matter regarding the new rules a reminder the DfT guidance is found on the following link:
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-rules-on-face-coverings-coming-in-on-monday-will-help-keep-passengers-safe
Query regarding the face coverings:
Does the guidance also cover the drivers needing to wear them?
Over half the bus drivers I have seen today haven't been wearing face coverings. I will note here that these observations were in Lincolnshire, Norfork and Warwickshire. All the drivers I saw within the West Midlands (around Chelmsley Wood) were wearing face coverings.
This isn't me being snarky; I've read through the guidance and note that it mostly only mentions "passengers" and "travelling", not all people.
Quote from: ellspurs on June 15, 2020, 02:45:40 PM
Query regarding the face coverings:
Does the guidance also cover the drivers needing to wear them?
Over half the bus drivers I have seen today haven't been wearing face coverings. I will note here that these observations were in Lincolnshire, Norfork and Warwickshire. All the drivers I saw within the West Midlands (around Chelmsley Wood) were wearing face coverings.
This isn't me being snarky; I've read through the guidance and note that it mostly only mentions "passengers" and "travelling", not all people.
NX drivers don't need to wear masks because they're are behind a plastic screen
Quote from: ellspurs on June 15, 2020, 02:45:40 PM
Query regarding the face coverings:
Does the guidance also cover the drivers needing to wear them?
Over half the bus drivers I have seen today haven't been wearing face coverings. I will note here that these observations were in Lincolnshire, Norfork and Warwickshire. All the drivers I saw within the West Midlands (around Chelmsley Wood) were wearing face coverings.
This isn't me being snarky; I've read through the guidance and note that it mostly only mentions "passengers" and "travelling", not all people.
Try wearing a face covering and glasses. Your glasses just steam up. That's why a lot cannot wear one
Dft guidance excludes employees of transport providers from wearing faced coverings
@Tony has pointed to one reason for this.
Quote from: Steveminor on June 15, 2020, 04:03:50 PM
Dft guidance excludes employees of transport providers from wearing faced coverings @Tony has pointed to one reason for this.
If they're excluded then there's no problem. Just none of the things I read recently specifically mentioned the drivers.
And yes, as a glasses wearer, I do suffer that same problem :(
Quote from: ellspurs on June 15, 2020, 04:10:51 PM
If they're excluded then there's no problem. Just none of the things I read recently specifically mentioned the drivers.
And yes, as a glasses wearer, I do suffer that same problem :(
I'm am exempt from wearing a mask & would find it extremely uncomfortable to wear one however I have a number of hoodies with a snood built in I can pull up and down to cover the mouth and the nose the downside however on top deck of a NXWM Trident I look as though I am a crack drugs dealer about to do a trade............
Quote from: WyreForestShuttle on June 15, 2020, 04:28:20 PM
I'm am exempt from wearing a mask & would find it extremely uncomfortable to wear one however I have a number of hoodies with a snood built in I can pull up and down to cover the mouth and the nose the downside however on top deck of a NXWM Trident I look as though I am a crack drugs dealer about to do a trade............
It's alright, that's the in look at the moment.
And if you cast your mind back to the 90s, you'd fit right in on the back of a Lynx 71 as it weaved its way through the Castle Vale, Parkfield, Smith's Wood and Kingshurst estates... especially if you had a lighter, foil and spoon on you (oh and some crack).
Quote from: ellspurs on June 15, 2020, 04:32:54 PM
It's alright, that's the in look at the moment.
And if you cast your mind back to the 90s, you'd fit right in on the back of a Lynx 71 as it weaved its way through the Castle Vale, Parkfield, Smith's Wood and Kingshurst estates... especially if you had a lighter, foil and spoon on you (oh and some crack).
Thanks for the tip if my cancer treatment fails I will bear it in mind for a change of career is there a demonstration video on YouTube ?
Quote from: Steveminor on June 15, 2020, 04:03:50 PM
Dft guidance excludes employees of transport providers from wearing faced coverings @Tony has pointed to one reason for this.
Here is the link to the DfT guidance updated late last night
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-safer-travel-guidance-for-passengers#exemptions-face-coverings
First Minister of Scotland Wee Jimmy Krankie is allocating £46.7m to support bus operators including Travel Dundee and First, north of the border in a similar scheme to already introduced sucessfully in England in response to the Killer Corona Virus
https://www.transport.gov.scot/news/467-million-to-help-increase-bus-services/
Noticed in the past week or so that Transdev have placed 'face covering' vinyls onto the front of their buses. A complete waste of time and money in my opinion.
Leicestershire live have announced on their website that First Leicester and Arriva Leicester have announced that drivers cannot enforce face mask LAW
How pathetic, just tell the passenger they are not getting on the bus, if the don't comply call the police.
The drivers have cab protection.
We will never beat this with virus when management adopt this attitude, they should be relieved of there duties
Immediately
Quote from: Mayfield on June 20, 2020, 09:09:01 PM
How pathetic, just tell the passenger they are not getting on the bus, if the don't comply call the police.
And what if they are exempt, do you tell them they can't get on?
To be honest there is a high compliance anyway from the buses I've seen going past me - maybe 80%? And some people will be exempt, so probably only a small minority not following the guidelines.
In regards to drivers being protected. Have a look at this. Surely this wouldn't happen if they are protected.
https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/hunt-man-who-allegedly-spat-18146608
Passengers need to prove exemption, why should law abiding people be put at risk by idiots.
Quote from: Mayfield on June 20, 2020, 09:09:01 PM
Leicestershire live have announced on their website that First Leicester and Arriva Leicester have announced that drivers cannot enforce face mask LAW
How pathetic, just tell the passenger they are not getting on the bus, if the don't comply call the police.
The drivers have cab protection.
We will never beat this with virus when management adopt this attitude, they should be relieved of there duties
Immediately
I am medicaly exempted from using a mask. Although I wear an alternative face covering by choice a hoddie with a snood. Following a major operation my speech cannot be understood . I cannot explain to a driver I am medically exempt. According to you if I got on the many buses I use to and from hospital without a face mask each time I got on the driver would have to call the police. In the current extreme circumstances do you not think think this would be a waste of a police time & resources? What proof of exemption do you suggest without humiliating someone such as myself?
Your/ other exempt people need to get some sort of certificate, this is all about protecting the majority to stop the spread.
It's beginning to get under control and everybody needs to do the right thing to stop this pandemic and any more
Unnecessary deaths
Quote from: Mayfield on June 20, 2020, 09:42:15 PM
Your/ other exempt people need to get some sort of certificate, this is all about protecting the majority to stop the spread.
It's beginning to get under control and everybody needs to do the right thing to stop this pandemic and any more
Unnecessary deaths
What certificate exactly and where from?
The doctors of cause if it's a medical condition.
Quote from: Mayfield on June 20, 2020, 09:45:50 PM
The doctors of cause if it's a medical condition.
As a member of the board of a Health Authority I can confirm CCG'S have not been instructed by DfT to ask doctors to issue anything as such as you suggest therefore GP's are unable to follow what you suggest & so I ask what certificate and from where?
Then I suggest you raise this point with the board then.
Quote from: Mayfield on June 20, 2020, 09:58:03 PM
Then I suggest you raise this point with the board then.
Unfortunately that will not resolve the current point you raise. The operators are quite correct that whilst regrettable the DfT regulations cannot be legally enforced as such and as such passenger cooperation to the matter of face coverings can only be encouraged.
Absolute rubbish, why bother making rules if your not going to enforce them.
This is lives were taking about.
Quote from: Mayfield on June 20, 2020, 09:09:01 PM
Leicestershire live have announced on their website that First Leicester and Arriva Leicester have announced that drivers cannot enforce face mask LAW
How pathetic, just tell the passenger they are not getting on the bus, if the don't comply call the police.
The drivers have cab protection.
We will never beat this with virus when management adopt this attitude, they should be relieved of there duties
Immediately
I can see their reasoning behind this though. Drivers now have increased risk of being threatened, assaulted etc. Yes most buses have assault screens, but some may not. I guess this just goes to show the times we live in...
Quote from: Mayfield on June 20, 2020, 10:08:00 PM
why bother making rules if your not going to enforce them.
If the rule hadn't been made, then maybe not as many would be wearing them as there are at present. Since from what I've seen compliance appears to be very high. Whereas up until the 14th (before it was mandatory), hardly anyone was wearing them.
Nobody was wearing them because our brilliant scientists said there was no benefit gained from it.
How many buses don't have assault screens nowadays
Quote from: Mayfield on June 20, 2020, 10:08:00 PM
Absolute rubbish, why bother making rules if your not going to enforce them.
This is lives were taking about.
How do you suggest the rules defined by the DfT be enforced by the operators beyond what the operators themselves believe and what evidence do you have of non compliance?
Quote from: Mayfield on June 20, 2020, 10:08:00 PM
Absolute rubbish, why bother making rules if your not going to enforce them.
This is lives were taking about.
If i'm honest, I don't think that face masks are going to make any difference whatsoever. Covid is decreasing and I think that simply cleaning surfaces and washing your hands is the best. If people with medical conditions etc can board a bus without wearing a face mask, they can potentially spread it so makes it pointless for everyone else to wear them.
Quote from: Mayfield on June 20, 2020, 10:19:17 PM
How many buses don't have assault screens nowadays
Assault screens are an optional extra and don't come as standard when purchasing a new bus, although many operators have installed them since the pandemic. There are lots of vehicles that don't have these. It tends to be the three main operators (First, Arriva, Stagecoach) that have these screens fitted.
Quote from: Mayfield on June 20, 2020, 10:19:17 PM
Nobody was wearing them because our brilliant scientists said there was no benefit gained from it.
How many buses don't have assault screens nowadays
All NX buses do, but there's still other operators that don't.
Leicestershire Live are reporting only 2/3 wearing masks.
Why are you going over the same things again.
Quote from: Mayfield on June 20, 2020, 10:26:35 PM
Leicestershire Live are reporting only 2/3 wearing masks.
Why are you going over the same things again.
What have Lecistershire Live to do with the operation of bus services within The West Midlands County & Worcestershire. National Express West Midlands, Diamond Bus & First Worcester from my observations and using them are currently doing an excellent job coping with the new regulations. NXWM is leading the way here & should be applauded. I wouldn't believe local newspaper reports too much without personal experience you have evidently never read The Birmingham Mail.
Quote from: WyreForestShuttle on June 20, 2020, 10:33:38 PM
What have Lecistershire Live to do with the operation of bus services within The West Midlands County & Worcestershire. National Express West Midlands, Diamond Bus & First Worcester from my observations and using them are currently doing an excellent job coping with the new regulations. NXWM is leading the way here & should be applauded. I wouldn't believe local newspaper reports too much without personal experience you have evidently never read The Birmingham Mail.
Unfortunately Leicestershire Live share content with the Birmingham Fail as they are part of Reach PLC
Bus drivers have as much power in enforcing masks as they do enforcing tickets. No matter how much you want them to challenge those idiots that just walk on without a ticket you know full well it's in their own best interest to leave it. Yeah I find that frustrating but scum will be scum
On my commute at the moment there's one guy that has had the virus and has handed out a mask to a couple of others trying to explain to them, they've mostly thanked him. Then there's one stubborn older lady who's mostly just ignored it all, occasionally loosely putting a scarf round her face
Quote from: WyreForestShuttle on June 20, 2020, 10:33:38 PM
What have Lecistershire Live to do with the operation of bus services within The West Midlands County & Worcestershire....
Leicestershire has as much relevance to a West Midlands bus forum as Worcestershire does.....
Quote from: Kevin on June 21, 2020, 10:41:40 AM
Bus drivers have as much power in enforcing masks as they do enforcing tickets. No matter how much you want them to challenge those idiots that just walk on without a ticket you know full well it's in their own best interest to leave it. Yeah I find that frustrating but scum will be scum
On my commute at the moment there's one guy that has had the virus and has handed out a mask to a couple of others trying to explain to them, they've mostly thanked him. Then there's one stubborn older lady who's mostly just ignored it all, occasionally loosely putting a scarf round her face
Leicestershire has as much relevance to a West Midlands bus forum as Worcestershire does.....
My comment was not addressed at the county but at the article from a Leicestershire media outlet and its relevance to bus operations in the West Midlands where from my own observations last week compliance is well over 80% with the softly softly approach working and did not recognise the comments made by
@Mayfield with regard to enforcement which are contrary to my own experience on NXWM, Diamond Bus & First last week.
If you want to see non-compliance, you should see some train services, especially evenings. Generally key workers use masks but the yobs and general riff raff don't.
Quote from: don on June 21, 2020, 08:36:34 PM
If you want to see non-compliance, you should see some train services, especially evenings. Generally key workers use masks but the yobs and general riff raff don't.
We have no way of knowing who is a key worker and who isn't. Non essential businesses are now open, so everyone is just a worker.
Quote from: Gareth on June 21, 2020, 09:23:01 PM
We have no way of knowing who is a key worker and who isn't. Non essential businesses are now open, so everyone is just a worker.
Also, those who work in the healthcare industry are not allowed to wear their uniforms outside of their place of work (with the exception of carers) so we can't always identify key workers by uniform.
Quote from: Pat on June 22, 2020, 02:09:50 PM
Also, those who work in the healthcare industry are not allowed to wear their uniforms outside of their place of work (with the exception of carers) so we can't always identify key workers by uniform.
Wouldn't they have a photo ID badge even our Institute requires us too carry a photo ID lanyard round our neck.
Quote from: WyreForestShuttle on June 22, 2020, 02:36:52 PM
Wouldn't they have a photo ID badge even our Institute requires us too carry a photo ID lanyard round our neck.
I would never carry any company ID on me in public around my neck. I'll happily show any ID to anyone who needs to see it. It doesn't need to be flaunted.
Quote from: don on June 21, 2020, 08:36:34 PM
If you want to see non-compliance, you should see some train services, especially evenings. Generally key workers use masks but the yobs and general riff raff don't.
This is probably correct but from observation it's the same supermarket, rail, NHS shift workers, often in uniform using trains say at 10 pm (I know some NHS workers aren't meant to wear them owing to disease transfer where they're working with potentially covid patients) however there are now far more 'casual' travellers who often don't seem to bother with social distancing - rather like the two young ladies who appeared in the park I was sitting in yesterday, one pushing the other in a shopping trolley and then both climbing over the fence into the locked children's playground and proceeding to play on some of the items in there. Unfortunately some people simply don't take the virus seriously.
My company have a policy that you are not to wear lanyards outside of company premises - this was introduced after more than one security issue. There are even notices of some of our office exit doors reminding people. Unless you're emergency or security services, or other public interface worker, why would you need a lanyard out in public - with your name displayed on it?
Quote from: Gareth on June 22, 2020, 04:10:23 PM
I would never carry any company ID on me in public around my neck. I'll happily show any ID to anyone who needs to see it. It doesn't need to be flaunted.
I'll happily display my lanyard and ID whilst in our building, but I don't like to have it on show when i'm out given it has my name plastered in bold all over it!
Quote from: Mayfield on June 20, 2020, 09:42:15 PM
Your/ other exempt people need to get some sort of certificate, this is all about protecting the majority to stop the spread.
It's beginning to get under control and everybody needs to do the right thing to stop this pandemic and any more
Unnecessary deaths
I have just noticed this on the Stagecoach website: Face Covering Journey Assistance Cards
https://www.stagecoachbus.com/promos-and-offers/national/journey-assistance-cards# (https://www.stagecoachbus.com/promos-and-offers/national/journey-assistance-cards#)
Maybe this would be a good idea to have more widely available?
I emailed nx a good month ago now regarding my 3 term student bus pass. Did I I receive a reply? Of course I didn't!
Quote from: Trident 4194 on June 24, 2020, 08:11:34 AM
I emailed nx a good month ago now regarding my 3 term student bus pass. Did I I receive a reply? Of course I didn't!
They'll have an awful lot of refunds to process, so it may take a while. Also, they won't have the full amount of staff in, so that'll slow things too.
Quote from: Trident 4194 on June 24, 2020, 08:11:34 AM
I emailed nx a good month ago now regarding my 3 term student bus pass. Did I I receive a reply? Of course I didn't!
@Trident 4194 if the pass was issued by TfWM please use this form to claim a refund it is the quickest method
https://www.networkwestmidlands.com/get-in-touch/refunds/coronavirus-covid-19-ticket-refund-scheme-guidance/
If the pass is issued by TfWM & have used this form & not recieved a response from TfWM please Private Message me with the details & I will ensure it gets to the right person
I cannot comment or act on any pass issued by National Express West Midlands
Quote from: WyreForestShuttle on June 24, 2020, 11:34:43 AM
@Trident 4194 if the pass was issued by TfWM please use this form to claim a refund it is the quickest method
https://www.networkwestmidlands.com/get-in-touch/refunds/coronavirus-covid-19-ticket-refund-scheme-guidance/
If the pass is issued by TfWM & have used this form & not recieved a response from TfWM please Private Message me with the details & I will ensure it gets to the right person
I cannot comment or act on any pass issued by National Express West Midlands
It was issued by nx despite being a 3 term nbus. The incompetence to answer an email is ridiculous, there as bad as these travel agents
Quote from: Trident 4194 on June 24, 2020, 01:13:22 PM
It was issued by nx despite being a 3 term nbus. The incompetence to answer an email is ridiculous, there as bad as these travel agents
Unfortunately
@Trident 4194 we cannot access thier systems and vice versa. I do know everyone who has applied for a refund from us is in the process of receiving it. As its one of our passes but sold by them I will email our ticket systems about this.
Quote from: Trident 4194 on June 24, 2020, 01:13:22 PM
It was issued by nx despite being a 3 term nbus. The incompetence to answer an email is ridiculous, there as bad as these travel agents
Ticket Systems have responded to me thay are aware that National Express West Midlands are not responding to refunds quickly. I understand they did not have the correct methodology in place in time resulting in a backlog of responses due to staff unavailability compered to the practices we had in place with our staff. They suggest you make a complaint using this link to NXWM
https://nxbus.co.uk/west-midlands/contact-us/contact-national-express
If you dont not still get a satisfactory response please contact TfWM with your complaint on:
https://www.tfwm.org.uk/contact-us/
This is totally unacceptable to you
@Trident 4194 with the actions of National Express West Midlands. I can assure you when we return to normality I raise this at the highest level at the WMCA
Quote from: WyreForestShuttle on June 24, 2020, 02:54:02 PM
Ticket Systems have responded to me thay are aware that National Express West Midlands are not responding to refunds quickly. I understand they did not have the correct methodology in place in time resulting in a backlog of responses due to staff unavailability compered to the practices we had in place with our staff. They suggest you make a complaint using this link to NXWM
https://nxbus.co.uk/west-midlands/contact-us/contact-national-express
If you dont not still get a satisfactory response please contact TfWM with your complaint on:
https://www.tfwm.org.uk/contact-us/
This is totally unacceptable to you @Trident 4194 with the actions of National Express West Midlands. I can assure you when we return to normality I raise this at the highest level at the WMCA
Thankyou, whilst I understand this is a troubling time, the level of service provided by them is atrocious
Quote from: Trident 4194 on June 24, 2020, 04:31:13 PM
Thankyou, whilst I understand this is a troubling time, the level of service provided by them is atrocious
I fully agree
@Trident 4194 if TfWM can organize refunds why can't NXWM I am just sorry thats the best I can do for you perhaps others who work for National Express West Midlands on this forum could provide a better solution?
Quote from: Trident 4194 on June 24, 2020, 04:31:13 PM
Thankyou, whilst I understand this is a troubling time, the level of service provided by them is atrocious
Have you tried phoning them?
Quote from: Gareth on June 24, 2020, 05:17:29 PM
Have you tried phoning them?
You try getting through to someone? Always the lines busy
Quote from: Trident 4194 on June 24, 2020, 05:42:47 PM
You try getting through to someone? Always the lines busy
I have in the past, though it takes some time (about 30 minutes).
You get put in a queue normally until someone answers I think.
Quote from: Trident 4194 on June 24, 2020, 05:42:47 PM
You try getting through to someone? Always the lines busy
Never known 'lines busy' because you go into a queue
Quote from: Tony on June 24, 2020, 06:37:21 PM
Never known 'lines busy' because you go into a queue
After emailing our Ticket Systems this afternoon I understand that
@Trident 4194 problems are widespread & calls are repeated lost & dropped by NXWM compared with the refunds by TfWM which are at over 90% therefore I find your explanation
@Tony somewhat bizarre it is a shame in the current environment NXWM has let down its customers in this way I have escalated
@Trident 4194 problem to TfWM in the hope it can be resolved as its a Nbus pass. I sincerely hope
@Tony you do not delete my account over this as I have spent most of the afternoon trying to sort this out for
@Trident 4194 within TfWM.
WyreForestShuttle and Trident 4194 - Could you please go through the proper channels and not this forum even though this might be difficult, this is getting silly now , this is not the place !
Quote from: Steve3229vp on June 24, 2020, 07:23:01 PM
WyreForestShuttle and Trident 4194 - Could you please go through the proper channels and not this forum even though this might be difficult, this is getting silly now , this is not the place !
For your information
@Steve3229vp @Trident 4194 has tried the proper channels & failed. My response to an employee of NXWM was based on my experience this afternoon trying to sort out
@Trident 4194 problems. We have been communicating by private message. I am sorry you regard the matter as trivial but I take my job very seriously & when a customer of TfWM has problems with his purchase I naturally given my position try to help out it is regrettable if you were in the same position your comments indicate you would not sadly not do the same perhaps that is a reflection on you not me.
Quote from: WyreForestShuttle on June 24, 2020, 08:11:34 PM
For your information @Steve3229vp @Trident 4194 has tried the proper channels & failed. My response to an employee of NXWM was based on my experience this afternoon trying to sort out @Trident 4194 problems. We have been communicating by private message. I am sorry you regard the matter as trivial but I take my job very seriously & when a customer of TfWM has problems with his purchase I naturally given my position try to help out it is regrettable if you were in the same position your comments indicate you would not sadly not do the same perhaps that is a reflection on you not me.
And what position is that? - Bus Champion?
I've sent emails, I've filled in the online forms attempted to get through on the telephone. What more can I do? I'm not in no rush to get the refund I just want to be acknowledged that they have received my communications.