www.vote-jonathan.co.uk

Over the last few weeks there seem to have been more and more complaints about the quality of service on Sheffield's bus services. 

Even the 52 service - which I used to use almost every day whilst I was at Sheffield University, and ran every 5 minutes - is now irregular.  The 52 is one of the main bus routes in the city, yet I keep receiving complaints from local passengers waiting up to half an hour in the cold weather for a bus.  With a monthly pass on Sheffield's buses now costing over £50, is it any wonder that more and more people feel the need to travel by car?

This problem isn't just the case in our ward - a couple of weeks ago, I was contacted from this website by someone who had suffered even worse problems on the 11/12 and 81/82 routes.

Part of the blame for the inadequate service lies with the bus companies, but only part.  The 52 route has been affected badly by the changed road system around the Wicker, and by roadworks on the Parkway near Catcliffe. 

The clamour from unhappy passengers is certainly growing louder - just look at this discussion on the Sheffield Forum website:

http://www.sheffieldforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=279124

The bus companies need to take action - it's their responsibility to ensure customer satisfaction if they expect people to continue using the service.  It is no good for them to simply assume that the poorest passengers who can't afford a car will have no option but to continue using the service.  If the bus companies will not take action, the Council should - contracts do not have to be renewed. 

On a positive note, the current £5 weekly saver for passengers just using one major bus route has been greatly welcomed by many passengers.  Let's hope that this special offer continues.