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First Bus operations manager urges people to treat each other with kindness
With the recent announcement of over 1,000 cuts to First Bus journeys in the city until spring 2023, many passengers have expressed their frustration and anger around the situation.
Ongoing driver shortages have been the catalyst for the temporary cancellations.
First Bus operations manager, Carole Stevens, said one of the biggest reasons for bus drivers leaving their job is how they are treated by passengers.
is needed now More than ever
With this in mind, Carole has highlighted the importance of both drivers and passengers treating each other with kindness in these turbulent times.
“It’s important to remember that everyone’s going through a tough time at the moment” – photo: First Bus
Carole, who passed her bus driving test when she was 18, spoke at Bristol One City transport board meeting in November at the City Hall. She said: “I worry about how our drivers are treated; it has an effect on their whole day.
“I’m trying to help our staff buffer their emotions. Being happy means they’ll be better at their jobs.
“There’s something to be said about nudging drivers and passengers to be kinder when talking to each other on buses.
“It’s also important to remember that everyone’s going through a tough time at the moment.”
Carole, who is trained as a mental health first aider, mentioned the value of the QR codes onboard First Buses where customers can contribute their thoughts and give feedback on their experience.
Ongoing driver shortages have been the catalyst for the First Bus temporary cancellations – photo: Betty Woolerton
Within her presentation, Carole also spoke about the lack of female bus drivers in the industry. She added: “There are not enough female drivers. In terms of drivers in the West of England, six per cent of drivers are women.
“We have got a long way to go. We can do better, and we can do more. We need to be more flexible when it comes to designing shifts and to ensure there are toilet facilities for women.
“This isn’t just a Bristol thing, this is an industry thing.”
Main photo: First Bus
Read next:
- ‘When I take the First Bus gamble, I tend to lose’
- 1,500 bus journeys a week to be cancelled due to driver shortages
- First bus branded a ‘cancer’ by furious passengers
- Neon ‘Cheers Drive’ sign permanently installed at Bristol Bus Station
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