News / Transport
IT problems cause chaos on Bristol buses
It’s been the perfect storm for First Bus; the end of the summer holidays, new bus routes, road works and IT problems have seen chaos for bus passengers in Bristol.
Services have been cancelled or diverted, people have been left waiting for buses that never turned up and problems with drivers GPS systems have not helped the situation. Some passenger have reported travelling free because the systems were down – silver lining and all that.
Passengers have taken to social media to tell of their travel delays, hold-ups and no-shows.
is needed now More than ever
I think @FirstBSA may have reached peak ‘First Bus’ today #Bristol #firstbus
— Tim Wright (@WrightTG) September 5, 2016
Hi @FirstBSA guessing this bus is not running, so am off to get a 48a which will make me late for work – thanks
— Cllr Mhairi (@mthrel) September 5, 2016
A huge number of route changes seems to have exacerbated the problems and the First Bus social media team have been inundated with complaints about today’s service across Bristol.
@andparmaham Hi Hazel, our GPS trackers are currently down I’m afraid so I remain unable to track services. I hope a bus is with you soon.CH
— First WestofEngland (@FirstBSA) September 5, 2016
@bigusrobus Hi Rob, I’m aware that we’ve had some problems with our ticket machines today (1/2)
— First WestofEngland (@FirstBSA) September 5, 2016
@BeccySiimmons Unfortunately introducing service changes is a careful balancing act to bring about overall benefit. ^CH
— First WestofEngland (@FirstBSA) September 5, 2016
@dazzamac73 (2/2) balancing act. I appreciate your concerns and frustration, however can only apologise for this. ^CH
— First WestofEngland (@FirstBSA) September 5, 2016
A First Bus company spokesperson said: “Following a routine introduction of our new timetable yesterday, a technical problem today affected the ticket machines on the buses.”
“While company is doing everything it can to get this resolved, we are delivering the timetable as normal and passengers are transported without charge.”
“Buses servicing Bath, Weston Super-mare and Wells are not affected by this, nor are the Bristol park & ride services.”
Let’s hope Tuesday is a better day on Bristol’s buses.
Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
