First Bus has apologised for the continued disruption to its services in the west of England. In a statement the company said the delays and cancellations are mainly due to “driver shortages”.
The company states that it has been unable to recruit enough bus drivers to cover its usual routes in the region. It claims the issue is part of a larger “recruitment challenge” facing the industry.
First West of England said in a statement on Wednesday: “We apologise for the continued disruption on some of our services. As highlighted previously this is due in main to driver shortages that we are experiencing across our region.
Read More: Redcliffe Bridge closure: First Bus route changes in full as repairs continue
"Like many sectors, the bus industry is facing a significant recruitment challenge especially when it comes to drivers, and the situation is particularly acute in the West of England. We continue to work tirelessly to minimise the impact that this situation has on our services.”
The provider has also confirmed further changes to the existing diversion routes in place throughout the city due to the Redcliffe Bascule Bridge closure. The key route is closed for more than two months up until October 9 to allow for repair works, more information on closures can be found here.
First Bus’ apology for recent disruptions comes after public transport users turned to Twitter to voice their frustrations with the bus service.
One Twitter user wrote: “Come on @FirstBusnews: don’t just say you’re axing whole suburbs of Bristol from your network because of ‘unprecedented driver shortages’. Tell them why you have no drivers. It’s Brexit.”
Another Bristol local added: "Whenever I catch the bus, it's always late. I have found Voi Scooters much more useful and cost effective."
Whilst another tweeted: “Saturday was the worst ever day for the 4 [bus service] almost every 4 was cancelled, there was the odd random 4 now & again. Even the 3’s had more cancelled than usual in Bristol. Other routes were littered with cancelled buses just not as many as the 4’s.”
Let us know about your recent travel experiences with First Bus and other public transform firms in the city in the comments section below.
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