MP calls on SYPTE to stop using “cast off” buses

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MP calls on SYPTE to stop using “cast off” buses

By Sheffield Labour ⋅ May 20, 2010 ⋅ Post a comment
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Angela Smith, the new MP for Penistone and Stocksbridge, has called on the SYPTE to intervene and use its powers to force bus operators to stop using old buses on the network.

Angela Smith has today written to the Director General of the SYPTE to ask the PTE to use its powers to tell bus operators to stop using old buses in South Yorkshire.

The MP, who until the election was a member of the powerful Commons Transport Select Committee, has told the Director General of her concern that despite assurances from operators to improve the age and condition of their buses on many routes the opposite seems to be true.

Asking for the PTE to exert pressure on the operators to improve their services, she feels the buses on many of the routes in the north of the city offer a sub standard service.

Commenting on her letter to the Director General, Angela said: “If bus operators are serious about increasing bus patronage surely the quality of the experience needs to be improved. Bus services need up to date modern buses with things such disabled access.

“Instead more and more of constituents are contacting me telling me that their services are seeing old buses, often other cities cast offs being brought into service.

“I, like my constituents, don’t find this really acceptable and feel that this approach by some operators will lead to many more people turning their backs on using buses, which is bad for the environment, bad for the city and bad for those people who have no alternative.

“I am therefore asking the PTE to use its influence and powers to make sure all the bus operators in South Yorkshire run modern, efficient and customer friendly buses. Let’s hope the operators will take notice of their passengers who are not happy with the services these operators are providing.”

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Discussion

View Comments for “MP calls on SYPTE to stop using “cast off” buses”

David

The only real solution is to have London-style regulation, where an integrated network with multi-operator Oyster-style ticketing is designed as a whole, and then contracts for running the services specify frequency and vehicle standards. Labour failed to do this in 13 years of office, and the Quality Partnerships they did initiate made things worse: all the good buses went on Barnsley Road services (75/76 etc.) leaving other parts of the city with a very poor service (e.g. Halifax Road, services 77/78 etc.).
carol smith

Im fed up of the old buses on the no 1,28 routes.Last wednsday 18/08/10 the no 1 6.05 which should get to top of prince of wales road at 6.05 failed to turn up.A bit much when they are every hour. i was told when ringinging up the bus had broke down.Not surprised they should be at scrapyard not on road
Jan

It isn’t only the south of the city where old buses are being used. The 43 Jordanthorpe to City is sometimes an ancient double-decker. There are no disabled seats and none of the seats are disabled-accessible, meaning TM are breaking the law. Mind you, many First buses (newer as well as old) don’t bother with the disabled stickers, or else put them by seats that are either inaccessible or are wanted for prams.

Then there’s the boom-boom music, which is forced on all passengers by some, whether or not it is liked. In case Labour wish to know, people are dissatisfied with the substandard bus service for a lot of reasons, including but not limited to the condition of buses and buses not turning up.

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