Stagecoach/Provincial > Reviews > Irresponsible drivers

Author's product rating:   

Quality of Rooms	Average
Customer service	very bad
Frequency of bus / buses	Average
Value for money	Average
Reliability	Poor

Advantages:	Reasonable prices
Disadvantages:	Some irresponsible drivers, poor customer service

Recommend to potential buyers:

no

Full review

I'll be getting a reputation as a bus spotter - this is my second opinion on the subject, I can assure you this isn't the case!

Stagecoach, owned by millionaire Brian Souter (who fronted the campaign to retain Section 28), is a large UK wide firm, running bus services both long and short distance. (And also trains in some regions). My experience of Stagecoach has been largly poor...

The fleet of buses in my region (Lothian) is mixed - some buses are modern and comfertable, others are old and rattley! The fares are not the cheapest around but are not excessive either. A 15 mile trip is around £1.80. Special fares are available.

One thing however which alarms me, is the activity of some of their drivers. Numerous times whilst on the X73 service between Edinburgh and Dumfries the driver has been using a mobile telephone. Without the hands free kit. This strikes me as what should be a dismissable offence. Not only is it dangerous... it's putting the lives of over 80 people at risk.

When I wrote to complain, all I got in return was a letter saying it was "being looked into". Sorry Souter, thats not acceptable - perhaps he should plow more money into his bus company rather than funding bigoted campaigns.

On the lothain fleet at least, one good point is that the 'no open alcohol comtainers' policy is enforced and thus ensuring a journey without drunks. The No-smoking policy is also enforced.