As I don't drive I have not got a lot of choice other than the train to use Stagecoach busses to get from A to B.
Their punctuality is absolutely appalling. Many of times I have found myself (sometimes with at least one of my children) standing at the bus stop seemingly waiting for ever. The worst waiting time I have ever had to experience was 45 minutes at a bus stop highly pregnant with no shelter or any kind of seating available which is quite common in our area, I may add. I often wonder what time tables were written for, if you are so lucky to have one on your bus stop post.
Stagecoach make it sometimes almost impossible to travel for disabled people and parents with very young children/babies.
Although recently a lot of new level floor/easy access busses have been brought into service there is still a large number of old busses with several steps at the entry which are divided by a banister in the middle. Have you ever tried folding up a pram with a baby in your arm? And what about the shopping? And wheelchair users or other physically disabled passengers would not stand a chance or at least struggle immensely.
I personally had to resort to taxis if my destination was beyond walking distance which is sometimes even cheaper!!
The prices are outrageous for the service given. A return adult ticket from Exmouth to Exeter (1/2 hour journey) on the train costs £3 and on the bus with Stagecoach £4.75 (1 hour journey). Considering the poor service that price is too much.
Unfortunately, the train service is only available for the route into Exeter and beyond and not for locations away from that route around Exmouth (Sidmouth, Budleigh etc).
A lot of the drivers are very friendly and try to help where they can but some drivers could still work on their interpersonal skills, e.g. I have been made to walk back to a previous stop because I apparently pressed the stop button too late (approx 50 m before the needed stop as I was unfamiliar with the area). I was on crutches on the time and the driver refused to stop beyond the requested bus stop and I had to listen to a lot of abuse when I complained.
As I live in Devon a tourist destination, I would like to add a tourist's and non-local resident's point of view. Stagecoach really need to give more detailed information with regards to stops and variety of ticket prices at the bus stops. If you are unfamiliar with the area, you will always need to ask the driver for information. And not every driver understandably knows the ins and outs of his route and there is no time for the driver to give detailed info about all available ticket options. This results in late buses and customers ending up paying too much when opting for the obvious option of a simple return although often day and family tickets are the cheaper way.
Would ticket machines on all central stops not be an option? It would save so much time and hassle for both passengers and drivers and maybe the busses could actually be on time for a change.
Pictures of Stagecoach South Coast Buses
Stagecoach single decker bus
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Mar 3rd, 2008
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