A Stagecoach bus driver has lifted the lid on what he says it is like to work for the company in Guernsey, amid mounting criticism of the island’s bus service.
Writing in the Facebook group ‘Guernsey People Have Your Say’, Michael said drivers were working long days, often missing their breaks and facing verbal abuse from passengers.
But he said many of the problems with the service were down to the States rather than Stagecoach.
Next time you’re getting on a bus for whatever journey, maybe stop and think about the driver. After all we are only human.
Michael – stagecoach bus driver
Michael also explained how drivers are working very long days, often missing their breaks, and get verbally abused by some passengers.
He also claimed some buses have travelled around 400,000 miles and are being sent out despite faults.
14-hour days
Highlighting the working conditions that bus drivers experience, Michael claimed they often work “14-hour days” for “12-days straight”.
“I can remember taking people to work and home again and then picking them up for a night out and taking them back again,” explained Michael.
“I used to think they have only been to work for 8 hours, well 7 hours with the hour break, and I am still working and have not been home myself.”
He said bus drivers often miss their unpaid hour-long break, and although they get paid for working the hour instead they “actually want the full hour to rest and recharge but if this happened routes wouldn’t run! And yes many more complaints would happen”.
‘It was much better 20 years ago’
Michael said a lot of criticism of the current bus service – which was recently subject to timetable changes – comes down to people thinking things were better in the past.
He agrees, those memories are probably right – but everyone needs to consider things like the population being smaller and there were fewer cars on the roads, all meaning the bus service could run to a better time.
He also thinks the “buses were in better condition as they were modern compared to what they are now”.
“Some of the (current) fleet have done around 400,000 miles and that’s only been driven at 25mph which isn’t good for any large diesel vehicle,” he added.
“Yes, us drivers hate driving the buses as many [of them] have many faults,” wrote Michael, “But the company had to still send them out as there would be no routes if they didn’t.”
He claimed that Stagecoach – his employer – “wanted to fit out a new fleet of buses in return to have full rights over the routes,” but the States rejected the idea, meaning the drivers were left running routes with dated vehicles that he says are no longer suitable.
Abuse
Countering claims from passengers that bus drivers have been rude or abusive to them, Michael said the drivers also receive abuse from passengers.
“The abuse we get from passengers, from demanding where another route is to shouting and swearing, is disgusting. I have kicked many people off the bus from swearing and cursing in front of tourist families and local families. No one should have to listen to this on a daily basis.”
He said bus drivers also experience “many issues” because they are not local.
Speaking with Express, Michael added additional details around the accommodation provided for bus drivers, which he said is shared by multiple people and has patches of black mould and other issues.
He was clear to clarify that his employer is not at fault – but the States are.
“Stagecoach is an amazing company, it’s nothing to do with them as such as the States have full control, so even if Stagecoach didn’t win the contract the other companies that did would have the exact same issues.”
Support
Among the comments on Michael’s post were some from members of the public expressing concern over the long working hours that bus drivers do, while other people questioned if this was accurate.
Former drivers also shared their own experiences with some saying the description of shift patterns is not accurate. Passengers also shared issues they’ve had with drivers not stopping or being rude to them while onboard.
Deputy Ross Le Brun – a vocal road safety campaigner and supporter of active travel and public transport services – said he finds it “extremely concerning from a road safety perspective” if drivers are working the shifts that Michael has described.
“We have tired drivers operating the biggest vehicles on our roads, carrying passengers and sharing the road with everyone else,” he said.
Deputy Le Brun said he had raised concerns about the condition of buses and the alleged working patterns with Environment & Infrastructure, which is responsible for the bus contract.
“I’m trying to do it for the best of the service because if we just turn a blind eye to what’s happening, it’s just going to be run into the ground,” he said.
Express has asked E&I and Education, Sport & Culture about recent complaints concerning school bus services, but has not yet received a reply.
We also asked Stagecoach to respond to Michael’s claims.
A spokesperson for the company said: “We are pleased to hear the positive comments about Stagecoach as an employer and are grateful for the hard work and professionalism of our drivers, who play an important role in keeping Guernsey moving.
“The safety and wellbeing of our colleagues remains a priority for us. Our driving schedules are compliant with the relevant working time and drivers’ hours requirements, and we take any concerns raised about working conditions, drivers hours’ and their breaks seriously.
“We encourage all members of staff to raise any concerns directly with us so that we can understand the circumstances and properly investigate and address any issues. We remain committed to supporting our colleagues and ensuring they have a safe and positive working environment.”
