Using a Bus

Most days I get comments from passengers saying a bus did not stop where they were waiting. I always ask 'did you signal/put your hand out?' the reply is often 'we don't need to do that the bus should stop if someone is at the stop' I remind them that at some stops more than 15 services use the stop!! Anyway came across this on the company web site.

Travelling by bus throughout the country, this simple step-by-step guide will help make your journey as easy as possible. If you have any questions please contact us.

Plan your journey - To plan your journey, simply go to journey planning section. Find the service number you need and the timetable for your bus will be worked out for you. You can then print this for the service or just the stops you need.

Choose a ticket - We offer a range of tickets to suit different types of trips, whether you are travelling every day or just once a month. Details are available in our Tickets section. Day and lower value tickets can be bought on the bus from the driver. Season tickets are best purchased before you travel and are available at local outlets or you can buy online - (Opens in a new window).

Locate the correct bus stop - Bus service numbers are generally displayed on bus stop signs or on the timetable panel. Services can be displayed together, so check the sign for your service number. Each bus stop has a code, by texting this code to 84268 you will receive details on the next buses due at the stop. Or find your bus stop at www.traveline.org.uk - (Opens in a new window).

Catching your bus

Signal the bus to stop - As the bus approaches, check the route number and destination displayed on the front of the bus. Raise your arm as a signal to the driver that you want the bus to stop.

Buying your ticket - If you are unsure which ticket you need, just ask the driver who will be happy to advise you which ticket is best for your journey. Having the correct fare available will help reduce delays when getting on the bus.

When you want to get off - Simply press the bell once, as you approach the stop where you want to get off, stay seated until the bus stops. If you are unsure where your bus stops ask the driver for help when you get on the bus.

Easy access, comfort & safety

To make it easier for you to get on and off, most buses can lower their suspension. Special seating areas are available on many of our buses for passengers who are disabled, elderly or using a buggy. Please bear in mind that special seating areas can get full at busy times of the day.

 

Rules

Interesting few days watching the news and also the amount of misinformation that is spread on sites such as Facebook. When reading something that is important I always double check on a couple of other sites to collaborate the story. It has also been interesting hearing peoples views on what caused the disturbances. My own view is that we now have a complete disregard for rules in this country. Rules are seen as being against our human rights, but what about the human rights of the victims.
I have had a couple of interesting conversations on the bus this week regarding rules. A couple of passengers tried to use their bus passes before 0900. I of course informed them that they could not. I received a mouthful of what a stupid thing, half an hour makes no difference etc. They then went on to discuss the behaviour of the rioters and if they had better discipline and obeyed the rules etc etc. So what is the difference between breaking one law or another. Some will say that some crimes are worse than others but they are still crimes. This I feel is where we are all going wrong. We must all respect the law and rules laid down. If we do not like them we must still obey them and then go through parliament to get them changed if necessary. the bible has some good direction on this.

James 2
⁸ If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbour as yourself,” you are doing right. ⁹ But if you show favouritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers. ¹⁰ For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. ¹¹ For he who said, “You shall not commit adultery,”^] also said, “You shall not murder.”^] If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker.  ¹² Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, ¹³ because judgement without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgement.

Ephesians 5:11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.

These are only a couple of examples. Perhaps if we all 'went back to basics' as first laid out in the bible and other religious books we would not be in the position we find ourselves in today.

End of New Wine

Well here I am, at home after another very successful New Wine. There were the usual 'niggles' but lessons were learnt, some put into practice straight away, some will have to the wait till next year. However once again, it is thanks to the many people who volunteer, that makes this event run so smoothly. As a Steward team leader it was one again a privilege to watch a group of people, most Christian, but some not, come together and gel as a team. They at times had to put up some unpleasant conditions and some not so Christian comments. But they carried out their duties with a smile and got the job done.
So once again my heartfelt thanks goes out to all those people who acted as Stewards this year. I hope you take away something from your experiences and that I will have the honour to meet you again.