FirstBus boss apologises for ongoing Bristol bus disruption - and now he’s blaming the roadworks

There were major timetable changes on October 9 but the first week has seen huge problems across the city
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The boss of FirstBus has apologised to passengers for the disruption on Bristol services in the first week of major timetable changes, blaming roadworks across the city as well as the ongoing driver shortage.

Major timetable changes across the First Bus network in Bristol come into force on October 9. The amendments included the axing of seven routes - 5, 71, 72a, X2, Y3, Y4 and Y5 - and others have different routes, drop-offs and pick-ups and frequency.

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First Bus said the changes are designed to ‘balance customer demand with available resource to deliver reliable services for its customers into the future’.

But angry passengers have voiced their opinions of the service from FirstBus all week on social media, whether it’s cancelled buses, curtailed services, drivers not turning up or lack of information about new changes to stops.

Chris Hanson, Operations Director of First West of England has acknowledged the frustrations of passengers.

He told Bristol World: “We are really sorry for the inconvenience the public have faced this week. We know the service hasn’t been as good as it should be.

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“We have faced a number of challenges which have exacerbated the problem for our customers. We have been working hard to reduce the subsequent disruption and are really grateful to our drivers who have done so much to support those who rely on the buses to get around the city.

“But we do recognise this has still left many customers feeling let down by the service.”

Service 1 buses cancelled in Brislington.Service 1 buses cancelled in Brislington.
Service 1 buses cancelled in Brislington.

Mr Hanson went on to blame the ongoing driver shortage for many of the issues over the past week but he also pointed at roadworks across the city.

“Driver shortages have been a key issue - one exacerbated by sickness among our current team - but the roadworks in the city centre have been the tipping point.

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“We believe many roads in the city are now due to reopen, with more reopening later in the month, and we are working with the council to try to minimise congestion on our routes in the future.

“Crucially, our driver recruitment programme is now well underway and will see a growth in our team across coming months and weeks.

“It’s been delivered with a package of benefits and training to encourage more local people onto this career path, and we will keep the public updated as things progress.”

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