Messages

Dexter

The 57 route is bus stops only.  The drivers should not stop and collect passengers from random places on the route.


Simon

Dear Simon,
Thanks for your reply.

I agree with what you say on safety grounds, however the issue then becomes that there are several places on this route where diamond's own data, Bustimes and google maps all say that a stop is present but there is nothing physically there on the street - no poles, flags, road markings etc - to reflect this, so no-one knows where to wait. Aston Road is a good example of this, but there are others such as Silverton Way and Valley road, all of which are popular with passengers.

Thanks again,
Dexter

Dear Simon,

On Saturday  (24th August) afternoon I attempted to carch a 57 as I sometimes do, on Aston Road, but this time the bus drove straight past me and 4 elderly ladies, meaning i had to walk and catch an NX bus to get to Wolverhampton. Once I got there I went over to the 57 stand and asked what was going on - the driver told me they'd been instructed by their office staff not to pick up or drop off anywhee other than bus stops, even though as far as I am aware, Aston Road and a few other parts of the 57 have been hail and ride for at least the last 5 years, possibly more, due to lack of bus stops along many roads.

If this is the case, it seems completely pointless for the bus to even go down some of these roads. When I am on the bus it appears that the majority of passengers get on in these Hail and Ride areas, especially disabled or elderly people who can't walk to the bus stops as they ae so spread out or even non-existent. These passengers may totally rely on this bus to get about, so this policy change will greatly affect their mobility, in my opinion you also stand to lose the majority of your custom on this route.

Is it possible for you to confirm if such a change in policy has officially been made?

Although your driver was very polite and professional and explained the situation to me, I still have my doubts.

Many thanks 
Dexter Jones